tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73721292024-03-18T12:32:28.410+00:00The LentilA miscellany of stuff including photography, travel, golf & football, but mostly just the stuff thingStattohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05101176230353582280noreply@blogger.comBlogger1296125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372129.post-57676070019447767102024-03-18T12:31:00.001+00:002024-03-18T12:31:56.346+00:00New putter<div>I haven't posted much about golf lately, but that's mostly because it's been raining for ever, and the course has spent much f the winter either closed, or open but is so waterlogged that it's absolutely not conducive to playing decent golf.</div><div><br /></div><div>In between the times I have managed to get out and hack my way round the course in snorkel and flippers, I've been to the range a few times to keep practicing and watching the Pros ply their craft on the TV.</div><div><br /></div><div>One of my (many) shortcomings, is my putting. I've always used a blade type putter as that's what came with the package set of clubs, but I've long been thinking of moving to a mallet type putter for more stability with it's heavier head.</div><div><br /></div><div>So today I bit the bullet, and after trying a few different types out at my local golf store, I plumped for the TaylorMade Spider in red. It feels lovely in the hand. All I need now is some drier weather to be able to get out and use it in anger.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnrEhC-Tuw1ge9jRbcHc_bxDjrQ340WVuBBeq1-1UtiugXul60QoCGx6g6D6JW6ekGCE_s9ZHXynicxcFc-REEdeQOxHFx-TjVFI6LoERcJ3ZjGVBHlX49XihBVM1xxE7D5SE6ZILNIozBTdhv4T_6_LIEhUrZGg0osxno4GxhyphenhyphenQ184W7q8A/s4032/IMG_7226.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnrEhC-Tuw1ge9jRbcHc_bxDjrQ340WVuBBeq1-1UtiugXul60QoCGx6g6D6JW6ekGCE_s9ZHXynicxcFc-REEdeQOxHFx-TjVFI6LoERcJ3ZjGVBHlX49XihBVM1xxE7D5SE6ZILNIozBTdhv4T_6_LIEhUrZGg0osxno4GxhyphenhyphenQ184W7q8A/s320/IMG_7226.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhULlsEfDXWAQfQyrEp9saOz-HBHqFnhnUBUiFqayj1NOtUIanWGuhe1QLuCo1GgYO3nY8E3rUJKk4i14ZDred3T_IbTO9qm1AFCSq9e0lRpuLVVm8HWbAIRxrUFwCFjK1k0uDDb_0o_ZYjuHe9ilwV4EF4UYn1BFoHaaoUSOBQBzoq7ZlmaQ/s4032/IMG_7224.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhULlsEfDXWAQfQyrEp9saOz-HBHqFnhnUBUiFqayj1NOtUIanWGuhe1QLuCo1GgYO3nY8E3rUJKk4i14ZDred3T_IbTO9qm1AFCSq9e0lRpuLVVm8HWbAIRxrUFwCFjK1k0uDDb_0o_ZYjuHe9ilwV4EF4UYn1BFoHaaoUSOBQBzoq7ZlmaQ/s320/IMG_7224.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAkjw0xNNaZ37nUx82TwWSFqdEZ-r9cEauDf7dk3_hZENv7R7fdwCvwYLzjemcarkbHaTMffsSSi2sukCEMDYcjPtyX6bbJb72lhAdV40Rhv_VUNVYxqN2h8SKumApvkFNQwvc2BoXQPxe43UR5NV4X0DsazQILSTiTyLSgAbge7EoqDLaCA/s4032/IMG_7225.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAkjw0xNNaZ37nUx82TwWSFqdEZ-r9cEauDf7dk3_hZENv7R7fdwCvwYLzjemcarkbHaTMffsSSi2sukCEMDYcjPtyX6bbJb72lhAdV40Rhv_VUNVYxqN2h8SKumApvkFNQwvc2BoXQPxe43UR5NV4X0DsazQILSTiTyLSgAbge7EoqDLaCA/s320/IMG_7225.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNhzT6xQf8vO7vd7GKS_izpO2hqFyMdWaQlHUvblXMyP-fjcP8Ftud0Gg0ys1UkUY6SN666VXqLW9gvnBp9faGLNTE1TnPmZdWfLM61WUjYAyhv8tcTCO39Qw2Y3yJXsXaEsvz4SwBFVaaRlu4rqu2-uWB3eZX_UYwbPtqbgoDL4yXuorePA/s4032/IMG_7227.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNhzT6xQf8vO7vd7GKS_izpO2hqFyMdWaQlHUvblXMyP-fjcP8Ftud0Gg0ys1UkUY6SN666VXqLW9gvnBp9faGLNTE1TnPmZdWfLM61WUjYAyhv8tcTCO39Qw2Y3yJXsXaEsvz4SwBFVaaRlu4rqu2-uWB3eZX_UYwbPtqbgoDL4yXuorePA/s320/IMG_7227.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div>Social Media: </b><div> </div><div><b>Twitter</b>: @Statto1927 </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Threads/Instagram</b>: simon_hiscocks </div><div> </div><div><b>Flickr</b>: https://www.flickr.com/people/simon_hiscocks </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Mastodon</b>: @simonhiscocks@toot.wales
</div>Stattohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05101176230353582280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372129.post-34855315425465186552024-03-18T12:21:00.002+00:002024-03-18T12:21:16.786+00:00Tenerife again<div>I posted about last year's <a href="https://stattos.blogspot.com/2023/03/tenerife-exceeded-expectations.html" target="_blank">winter break in Tenerife here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VkxKtVplt_EiqcxntVj7UCO-kSMrVFqPnafqZ1HIeVh5A5kj8d_lkx9ebCOAZKNzbRP5n4E8joB-wQSjnMhyphenhyphenm_Y9WMMntd9PA5ZGDA9rlqEJ62gdDtROed1Wj7huYWUi9Hcoalf1YFXK4g6QhITNg-8gfS1DhsXNFhXGvI6HAZIGLQIo1Q/s4032/IMG_7143.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9VkxKtVplt_EiqcxntVj7UCO-kSMrVFqPnafqZ1HIeVh5A5kj8d_lkx9ebCOAZKNzbRP5n4E8joB-wQSjnMhyphenhyphenm_Y9WMMntd9PA5ZGDA9rlqEJ62gdDtROed1Wj7huYWUi9Hcoalf1YFXK4g6QhITNg-8gfS1DhsXNFhXGvI6HAZIGLQIo1Q/s320/IMG_7143.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fabulous sunsets</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>This year we returned albeit a week later to the same hotel, the adults only Hovima Costa Adeje, again seeking some winter warmth and escape from the incessant rain we've all been experiencing since what seems like the end of November.</div><div><br /></div><div>There's not much to add to what I said last year really. The weather was a bit warmer (hot in fact during the day), and all I said about the hotel and resort last year still stands.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsv1r7MsuAjrafFfI72dIH3CiTKoiqPQGZNBgIraIwcU2ZLXEAzr0gYGWC1Nk4rjQ8K3VMKQNJP9GIu7nQY2HXecntllKGwfW5RfSsQg53F6FCB7vQOJwvrdmZpqWZ_5GAtIMHbyBrH8x_CS01AryXSV92UooBzhkZbGnb4-m0riV2gijTg/s4032/IMG_7083.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsv1r7MsuAjrafFfI72dIH3CiTKoiqPQGZNBgIraIwcU2ZLXEAzr0gYGWC1Nk4rjQ8K3VMKQNJP9GIu7nQY2HXecntllKGwfW5RfSsQg53F6FCB7vQOJwvrdmZpqWZ_5GAtIMHbyBrH8x_CS01AryXSV92UooBzhkZbGnb4-m0riV2gijTg/s320/IMG_7083.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Caleta, about 2 miles walk down the coast</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>In the previous post I said that if we came again we'd probably do one of the whale/dolphin watching trips they run from the local marina, and we did just that. Rather than book one of the bigger, more crowded boats, we went with a smaller outfit, with just 12 of us in a RIB. Very environmentally conscious, and a great guide who clearly knows his stuff. It was a fascinating 2 hours just off the coast and we saw loads of pilot whales and Atlantic dolphins and a bonus loggerhead turtle. Well worth the trip cost of about £110 for the two of us. My <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g662606-d13554896-r941314206-Whale_Watch_Tenerife-Costa_Adeje_Adeje_Tenerife_Canary_Islands.html" target="_blank">Trip Advisor review can be seen here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDoGz3TqejypPb5-Wg2-27XAfiLlqHfQpNeAD1wx8a7wCJ7LrQHtwX4m5F0YivaBp2yrBLEeoXHpFIkij0vAsg89PJMcaPSxz0ysnDCwI5Y_lqwJ2s38JYV9U_WNmE7l5mR6zeNDlsYyHq_PZxj1Or3AXOHfI_QG2joiBMt12iUf854tgKQ/s2872/IMG_0869.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2767" data-original-width="2872" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJDoGz3TqejypPb5-Wg2-27XAfiLlqHfQpNeAD1wx8a7wCJ7LrQHtwX4m5F0YivaBp2yrBLEeoXHpFIkij0vAsg89PJMcaPSxz0ysnDCwI5Y_lqwJ2s38JYV9U_WNmE7l5mR6zeNDlsYyHq_PZxj1Or3AXOHfI_QG2joiBMt12iUf854tgKQ/s320/IMG_0869.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loggerhead turtle</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8PkGBelKkS2WjI-43LpLEEp4P_FaGQsH8ijaZJGSjggc3qSwc-lbSehLkeHZDyv4i94g2JKlApPgW38qS93DKW6NjIseV20Hkj88O_i-UBkm_Fn2sHUkJaiXp6Gh_7Jz5I5594ecNQ1vJhqF4IAMcB69osJb19MjRH3je2aDMLCCF9SsiRw/s5472/IMG_0867.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8PkGBelKkS2WjI-43LpLEEp4P_FaGQsH8ijaZJGSjggc3qSwc-lbSehLkeHZDyv4i94g2JKlApPgW38qS93DKW6NjIseV20Hkj88O_i-UBkm_Fn2sHUkJaiXp6Gh_7Jz5I5594ecNQ1vJhqF4IAMcB69osJb19MjRH3je2aDMLCCF9SsiRw/s320/IMG_0867.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pilot whales<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdlin9573NgC2TAaxvqFcHrPlf0DbURIFyqxTJwUbFMGj-IPKvhLY1rfwjChd3t0yXHlBnpo1dyxo12NoRvpSrRdER8F6Y5QX682GUbW1n550r6s3YsKUoX9FigsEGPjlJ5mRgxyXupEHPx1K0St40E08zobuw2unX-vmaAm-UlAICnEuDDA/s5203/IMG_0864.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3469" data-original-width="5203" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdlin9573NgC2TAaxvqFcHrPlf0DbURIFyqxTJwUbFMGj-IPKvhLY1rfwjChd3t0yXHlBnpo1dyxo12NoRvpSrRdER8F6Y5QX682GUbW1n550r6s3YsKUoX9FigsEGPjlJ5mRgxyXupEHPx1K0St40E08zobuw2unX-vmaAm-UlAICnEuDDA/s320/IMG_0864.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another pilot whale close to the boat</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLPiwKd7pCOovpfyqFo4z2qxX-LGhihZhzomvW_nshNCvI9Z-euXurre6grVsnsr3H692xpNuLQkICMB7C2yCSJOChFNMloDGMaCi-qRRUE5l6rrIfQmMSqVQl1rf3Xdz4cayOujYusK-4IDVkOhYG4tSOFBni7p2WA_SFXlK7e6_M9sT0WA/s5472/IMG_0865.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLPiwKd7pCOovpfyqFo4z2qxX-LGhihZhzomvW_nshNCvI9Z-euXurre6grVsnsr3H692xpNuLQkICMB7C2yCSJOChFNMloDGMaCi-qRRUE5l6rrIfQmMSqVQl1rf3Xdz4cayOujYusK-4IDVkOhYG4tSOFBni7p2WA_SFXlK7e6_M9sT0WA/s320/IMG_0865.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pilot whale breathing out</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>We also did a trip to a banana plantation and local Bodega (winery). Whilst it was interesting, I'm afraid I was a little under the weather with some sort of bug for 36 hours, so that trip was a bit of a struggle for me, although Anne enjoyed it.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Zqt5CH_ftEE72r4CSvmgkZZU5s07KC8rC8BtLSEv0GLR5mbVh9Ufh2qKZ30EsKb2rI0TMQQFUR2rxH3Di6T_40P_yFu5TweOYE66NwN_LxAtv_B6f7iUf0t0xB8xFVl5jLdcHepo3rL8hJOFyBhShP1fi6gZhOEpgBU-e1Af6o00W8UlnA/s4032/IMG_7129.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Zqt5CH_ftEE72r4CSvmgkZZU5s07KC8rC8BtLSEv0GLR5mbVh9Ufh2qKZ30EsKb2rI0TMQQFUR2rxH3Di6T_40P_yFu5TweOYE66NwN_LxAtv_B6f7iUf0t0xB8xFVl5jLdcHepo3rL8hJOFyBhShP1fi6gZhOEpgBU-e1Af6o00W8UlnA/s320/IMG_7129.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bananas! I don't feel as good as I look!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip3ISMrH_CHom9SRmk9A_2hD21TQCzgmOxgCVIdNXGaWhiVqoVuBU0eBBGeqnxjDEyN2NPUCDgLlncb734XgFfZ2ffj1FRuKS0tsWCncHGDZuwLu3583kbJUYokBpyB0nNuFZrpEX-HbiHGFrIsgoqfCVH4j9yB51luIL7N_sGoMEnaj7_Hw/s4032/IMG_7131.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip3ISMrH_CHom9SRmk9A_2hD21TQCzgmOxgCVIdNXGaWhiVqoVuBU0eBBGeqnxjDEyN2NPUCDgLlncb734XgFfZ2ffj1FRuKS0tsWCncHGDZuwLu3583kbJUYokBpyB0nNuFZrpEX-HbiHGFrIsgoqfCVH4j9yB51luIL7N_sGoMEnaj7_Hw/s320/IMG_7131.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the banana plantation<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1dDpjNA2TruU8twz6nwjd4mWdqSef7_WTtfIPmTCP9E22aDEemnxGGrW9ZzY8BfZhzsZSAGCpE9jLsjsHWJkzeXybuQ24dqSxJNDx9zbfzPcs4AJEXJEsUotx4GugFCxxaQ2Uptv6T6Zt_8mLbLKKqKfz_KE13DUcKOu-os0dl_G0Cw_tg/s3912/IMG_7117.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2934" data-original-width="3912" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1dDpjNA2TruU8twz6nwjd4mWdqSef7_WTtfIPmTCP9E22aDEemnxGGrW9ZzY8BfZhzsZSAGCpE9jLsjsHWJkzeXybuQ24dqSxJNDx9zbfzPcs4AJEXJEsUotx4GugFCxxaQ2Uptv6T6Zt_8mLbLKKqKfz_KE13DUcKOu-os0dl_G0Cw_tg/s320/IMG_7117.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the walk to La Caleta</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AYDhQ3damfFUJSZ7TJyVLWaAwUZ9wPtQyj69OFMB463VDbx_P92rIkWXTmerPFhbDYNtSSvH4jCWu-HP_9tXXhBc0dcFMcQj0n4x-siAyCK7J-m0ba47EnEf_cJpaBBrsKLJnjbJUM-rWSHNrwSW6Pw2HFXWUQdqwIPZoqDCH3KQdDZgCw/s2406/IMG_7096.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2406" data-original-width="2136" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AYDhQ3damfFUJSZ7TJyVLWaAwUZ9wPtQyj69OFMB463VDbx_P92rIkWXTmerPFhbDYNtSSvH4jCWu-HP_9tXXhBc0dcFMcQj0n4x-siAyCK7J-m0ba47EnEf_cJpaBBrsKLJnjbJUM-rWSHNrwSW6Pw2HFXWUQdqwIPZoqDCH3KQdDZgCw/s320/IMG_7096.jpeg" width="284" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Near La Caleta</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>All in all another chilled week in the sun. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqBPk2uaBorvuf4S3gkCTziYzCdEmQuLD_Vn2fGnrkhMAHEB9oQG8NqxhDQTNcfzRqQDuYuFGQx0kCuaPmuNqWUTHJCZyAcRtkYNAfoVUQDKbLeBIbkvukpL_qVab9wmLp25GWl5-k4jsQnBKP2QCTjfRpRQ-A0V89qjyCwb7naAwxMI7iFA/s3992/IMG_7146.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2994" data-original-width="3992" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqBPk2uaBorvuf4S3gkCTziYzCdEmQuLD_Vn2fGnrkhMAHEB9oQG8NqxhDQTNcfzRqQDuYuFGQx0kCuaPmuNqWUTHJCZyAcRtkYNAfoVUQDKbLeBIbkvukpL_qVab9wmLp25GWl5-k4jsQnBKP2QCTjfRpRQ-A0V89qjyCwb7naAwxMI7iFA/s320/IMG_7146.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset over the hotel pool</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><b>Twitter</b>: @Statto1927 <div><b>Mastodon</b>: @simonhiscocks@toot.wales <div><b>Flickr</b>: https://www.flickr.com/people/simon_hiscocks/ </div><div><b>Instagram</b>/<b>Threads</b>: simon_hiscocks
</div></div>Stattohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05101176230353582280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372129.post-72396962489356754652024-02-06T16:47:00.005+00:002024-02-06T16:49:34.637+00:00Austria in the snow<div>We're recently back from a trip to Austria, where my sister in law has an apartment. I've blogged about trips to Austria before as we've visited a couple of times previously - just search the blog for "Austria", but never visited in the winter.</div><div><br /></div><div>This time we chose to go in January, along with our adult daughter, and another sister in law and her daughter who goes most years to go skiing.</div><div><br /></div><div>We aren't skiers - I've never skied in my life, although I always fancied it, but at nearing mid 60's and with at least half a false knee, I'm not sure it's a great idea now, but more of that later.</div><div><br /></div><div>My brother in law had put me on his car's insurance so we could go off exploring whilst they went skiing, but it was still a surprise to exit Salzburg airport the evening we arrived to be handed the keys by him with a "Well, you might as well drive" the hour or so's journey from Salzburg to Rauris in -14º temps and mostly pitch black!</div><div><br /></div><div>Still, we made it ok. As previous blogs have noted, Rauris is a small rural village with decent skiing in the winter. The apartment has 3 bedrooms and is nice and comfortable with good views of the mountains</div><div><br /></div><div>There were nine of us in all (over two apartments), comprising four skiers and 5 non skiers. The skiers obviously did their thing whilst the rest of us walked, took cable cars up the mountains to alms, enjoyed the views, the food, the beer and the aprés ski. We generally met up with the skiers at around lunchtime in one of the mountain alms for something to eat and some refreshment. A couple of meals out in the evening went down well, and one evening we did a long toboggan ride (about 5km in all down a mountain "road", although snowed over and with 4ft -6 ft snow banks each side it wasn't your typical road! </div><div><br /></div><div>Sunday</div><div>We stayed in Rauris, pottered around the village</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM0U-mnOwaR2puC3IsQa3UlcezA7pACX1bA13NVddYx-A90hKCt2-oUs2oAtFfQY6E4ezhOhQRKJVjged7u8jOZDMnhBsLz56bqSrYV0Be3outfZSTz5553qFBmitU1HOGwhqlUotQFzjAzfhl5fqNKDTwY96y85G2NOJawkdqEE7pCKPXfg/s4032/IMG_6412.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM0U-mnOwaR2puC3IsQa3UlcezA7pACX1bA13NVddYx-A90hKCt2-oUs2oAtFfQY6E4ezhOhQRKJVjged7u8jOZDMnhBsLz56bqSrYV0Be3outfZSTz5553qFBmitU1HOGwhqlUotQFzjAzfhl5fqNKDTwY96y85G2NOJawkdqEE7pCKPXfg/s320/IMG_6412.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down the Rauris valley</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHXQjJHTNDaSdObAi9WXc3lm5sxJBkpA4WyhHRNYhHTQg_u16_UrlkoYC8FUFgwTIKYdtFZA_A9wASDg7L-ITdnhOe2Agwi8IiVhddXJewLUo_IH6Fa4GsvNDJW8GSaDpdR_0N1p1mgTfOIKEhwfoUhPhlP247dHwAd3VR5t_bQpN8ryRYNQ/s4032/IMG_6430.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHXQjJHTNDaSdObAi9WXc3lm5sxJBkpA4WyhHRNYhHTQg_u16_UrlkoYC8FUFgwTIKYdtFZA_A9wASDg7L-ITdnhOe2Agwi8IiVhddXJewLUo_IH6Fa4GsvNDJW8GSaDpdR_0N1p1mgTfOIKEhwfoUhPhlP247dHwAd3VR5t_bQpN8ryRYNQ/s320/IMG_6430.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rauris chuch and village</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>Monday<div>We drove over to Angertal near Bad Hofgastein in the next valley, and took the cable car up the Stubnerkogel to around 2,200m (7,200ft) where the views were glorious </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIdRKWX9LslO3V6dGGlkwGjYnEm1sFbk5QAhJAGrxgI_Gw2YoEzuliWZyaPStheT6Z5q6Zmq39Nco_kuBPYaeMa6XOVbt-ULlykyODA57xLx8SVFiRFO0hzh4m4KbRcnJs5MNY2dvulL6Pkqd3_EjlIvRVf6HHa04Gxdv7S1Wejzdsnu65SQ/s1600/6f355c5d-3395-44e0-9da8-8dfc782b2f00.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIdRKWX9LslO3V6dGGlkwGjYnEm1sFbk5QAhJAGrxgI_Gw2YoEzuliWZyaPStheT6Z5q6Zmq39Nco_kuBPYaeMa6XOVbt-ULlykyODA57xLx8SVFiRFO0hzh4m4KbRcnJs5MNY2dvulL6Pkqd3_EjlIvRVf6HHa04Gxdv7S1Wejzdsnu65SQ/s320/6f355c5d-3395-44e0-9da8-8dfc782b2f00.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The gang above Bad Hofgastein</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtRF8rHsFgciMmETKe_MOD-Ity60Pti_FTpJR8dpy5TlbNM3tmzutJPfWikwLCoxl7afZ0P2j4ttztX5d1vWe7FS4rsqA5tuKe-iGgZ3TRfIT8eOV2DDCbj0M9sN-eTqNLZVmQRMN0X654mvlI0AoPi8rKYqAGkcWmffMvt_j7gDjYcYiZXw/s6240/IMG_0800.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="6240" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtRF8rHsFgciMmETKe_MOD-Ity60Pti_FTpJR8dpy5TlbNM3tmzutJPfWikwLCoxl7afZ0P2j4ttztX5d1vWe7FS4rsqA5tuKe-iGgZ3TRfIT8eOV2DDCbj0M9sN-eTqNLZVmQRMN0X654mvlI0AoPi8rKYqAGkcWmffMvt_j7gDjYcYiZXw/s320/IMG_0800.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Gastein valley</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-YPfXttFOy785R1UnnyXe3B0Yg7kUvJ54l3IrljKy-O8nJMPlMeMag-EzDyBLeA9U8K38vFdUKmPz0JT_jIzfinN7tRaSj8g4MqAIoSesgCSM2Tnd8DeGdhzGL5ySdtNChp_9zZNHyrgD4q7Aalv3CBvEtsNJzn5WiiG7jhBKpqNZHmSgA/s4032/IMG_6448.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-YPfXttFOy785R1UnnyXe3B0Yg7kUvJ54l3IrljKy-O8nJMPlMeMag-EzDyBLeA9U8K38vFdUKmPz0JT_jIzfinN7tRaSj8g4MqAIoSesgCSM2Tnd8DeGdhzGL5ySdtNChp_9zZNHyrgD4q7Aalv3CBvEtsNJzn5WiiG7jhBKpqNZHmSgA/s320/IMG_6448.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 140m long & 28m high<br />Stubnerkogel suspension bridge</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Tuesday</div><div>Tuesday dawned wet and dull Whilst the skiers went off somewhere we drove to Zell am See for a walk by the lake and a browse in the town (and coffee and cake!) One of our party who shall remain nameless (not me) had an altercation with an automatically cleaning toilet (basically got trapped inside when it started cleaning!!!). No harm done, but it was very funny!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqrx2xyGTGxOtTpPOfZ3ia8MgyHUO_LT3QNFPRagTAY01n9X004BIogGfZmVsxtzmdFtb2Wxmv_G3CtXiLZRlpCKFj3cVJMord4cw2Jro0jI26aofY2FdyKgYeqUmJX0g9IH0wNSKBz3PyhQsWADhLDDiWYv0HYWTTQUqNvk84CFVXNif2MQ/s3620/IMG_6506.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2622" data-original-width="3620" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqrx2xyGTGxOtTpPOfZ3ia8MgyHUO_LT3QNFPRagTAY01n9X004BIogGfZmVsxtzmdFtb2Wxmv_G3CtXiLZRlpCKFj3cVJMord4cw2Jro0jI26aofY2FdyKgYeqUmJX0g9IH0wNSKBz3PyhQsWADhLDDiWYv0HYWTTQUqNvk84CFVXNif2MQ/s320/IMG_6506.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Grand Hotel Zell am See</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdd5EH19pFBz7M-yMyL5X0d4D6gbHNF6fZAGIlCHmjebi_ghTQBCFfV-Te7r6wC3s7Tcuv2van32mYj_TIVbGy4ECpw-rL8HYDmFSmnBje14HoSG6Rg8gVvQdmZw7mV1GdnJvC_Nyd1I-nSiskumdlQnUdc7KTFc-QQynOhwIDIua73xcqIQ/s4032/IMG_6509.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdd5EH19pFBz7M-yMyL5X0d4D6gbHNF6fZAGIlCHmjebi_ghTQBCFfV-Te7r6wC3s7Tcuv2van32mYj_TIVbGy4ECpw-rL8HYDmFSmnBje14HoSG6Rg8gVvQdmZw7mV1GdnJvC_Nyd1I-nSiskumdlQnUdc7KTFc-QQynOhwIDIua73xcqIQ/s320/IMG_6509.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The offending automatic toilet</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_xx40n-KPpaCEDf8MNwfVKnbr7ccW16dOmtwa-DsWOHB9DTt6M2BSAGriSXMg-DK3vhnYmos8FRHsGsQscapor0uW-oJ_1Du6YAcq1XfjVY1T_DuKoD_WuJBAELBXkmUDi7XPw4CHnWv98lRlF3e3E44AUkLjbSnFLabfTuJ1gsxBggNuQ/s4032/IMG_6512.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_xx40n-KPpaCEDf8MNwfVKnbr7ccW16dOmtwa-DsWOHB9DTt6M2BSAGriSXMg-DK3vhnYmos8FRHsGsQscapor0uW-oJ_1Du6YAcq1XfjVY1T_DuKoD_WuJBAELBXkmUDi7XPw4CHnWv98lRlF3e3E44AUkLjbSnFLabfTuJ1gsxBggNuQ/s320/IMG_6512.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zell am See </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2g2dCnZGKT17WPGMAsdwEqfBG8jgH3kRqLNz4F4_xAnyZjqcTPGwT_3nddlQNAGgBUaSaUHaSjaPr46ai7dDHJNlKxIBGBI80Lg2h9rLYXdxR-l7da-pQgC7rDpA0Gi9naCzyx7oq8HSd56t3bufqx8u8nZdjEsfEgb9aEQhS0rHznDYdcQ/s4032/IMG_6515.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2g2dCnZGKT17WPGMAsdwEqfBG8jgH3kRqLNz4F4_xAnyZjqcTPGwT_3nddlQNAGgBUaSaUHaSjaPr46ai7dDHJNlKxIBGBI80Lg2h9rLYXdxR-l7da-pQgC7rDpA0Gi9naCzyx7oq8HSd56t3bufqx8u8nZdjEsfEgb9aEQhS0rHznDYdcQ/s320/IMG_6515.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice patterns</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>Wednesday<div>A brighter day than Tuesday, but a thaw was setting in as the temp rose to around freezing We wandered around Rauris in the morning, had a lazy lunch waiting for the skiers to return before going off on our toboggan trip at the Ammererhof Hotel at the top of the valley. Great fun! I only crashed twice too!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0DPp7OGnn7BRV0SlURJnJZqWsfqzVebJMjbSB1EM2yE-bnAF3vzqeCrNilq0VXX78Y5fgfywlhSF48dA2syBJECFAe-eq42mlE0OkAqzZqfkMdHGZ3WXT6UYzDj0mDD__CJibgjAx6T04Zgmx3k51htfP4wGYMtnlk9jDq79o3NyvAUG4VQ/s4032/IMG_6565.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0DPp7OGnn7BRV0SlURJnJZqWsfqzVebJMjbSB1EM2yE-bnAF3vzqeCrNilq0VXX78Y5fgfywlhSF48dA2syBJECFAe-eq42mlE0OkAqzZqfkMdHGZ3WXT6UYzDj0mDD__CJibgjAx6T04Zgmx3k51htfP4wGYMtnlk9jDq79o3NyvAUG4VQ/s320/IMG_6565.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ammererhof Hotel</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJPypsNcfLTVwYVAg08mwKRJLscIOY6fUK3azsDvFDhZckDFObAxebFy4_UWdENK2XjmtZIkyi5uz0TS9afWjTk77qlWFq95jh5WJjh5dXxnIZvu1vBdHnfW1K_wOq4-92ZcZQhZrdlQO8w-5lwvxupc99RLKdFquQnk2sEUFHgwJwepl-hQ/s4032/IMG_6577.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJPypsNcfLTVwYVAg08mwKRJLscIOY6fUK3azsDvFDhZckDFObAxebFy4_UWdENK2XjmtZIkyi5uz0TS9afWjTk77qlWFq95jh5WJjh5dXxnIZvu1vBdHnfW1K_wOq4-92ZcZQhZrdlQO8w-5lwvxupc99RLKdFquQnk2sEUFHgwJwepl-hQ/s320/IMG_6577.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bit snowy up here!</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJaULPCrk4j7OgcMQCV_K5_hHRvIpf3-ThXbUTvc0aPqJboJBhlmu5Ne7Z97j4wQG7oTWhde26o55Hhz7GU7Z0MgW4-_DdKm100pqPkG30L2tH_jBihtr-Al01blPZRifKCUEcXOOZV-0n8KMxI3KtO456k_05PCmBCj4KQKDhNyZfY5QCFg/s4032/IMG_6578.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJaULPCrk4j7OgcMQCV_K5_hHRvIpf3-ThXbUTvc0aPqJboJBhlmu5Ne7Z97j4wQG7oTWhde26o55Hhz7GU7Z0MgW4-_DdKm100pqPkG30L2tH_jBihtr-Al01blPZRifKCUEcXOOZV-0n8KMxI3KtO456k_05PCmBCj4KQKDhNyZfY5QCFg/s320/IMG_6578.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for the off</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoTsM21dXKFdNqdj5T_JfH4miLmfvyVhFpbmoEJvXEaWnOD8BAYbEpHB1k-tB6L4iYcVqHQxIwseEOU09U1Vk9nbPtYSsI8XXYbxNozHzjRZuCuKCn2wZ-qGcMWCbosH7wULHVu_XddlaKxCIfhtjRRe_fh226fGMhuT7QgggI7vFEYbaoug/s2000/0b7b8b34-d53d-414b-ba4d-b9cee59893cd.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoTsM21dXKFdNqdj5T_JfH4miLmfvyVhFpbmoEJvXEaWnOD8BAYbEpHB1k-tB6L4iYcVqHQxIwseEOU09U1Vk9nbPtYSsI8XXYbxNozHzjRZuCuKCn2wZ-qGcMWCbosH7wULHVu_XddlaKxCIfhtjRRe_fh226fGMhuT7QgggI7vFEYbaoug/s320/0b7b8b34-d53d-414b-ba4d-b9cee59893cd.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tally Ho!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguvnPft6BaUAFUmOh0BYDjJ8khsMZwRqogKIcUhYEdwwPgg2Efu_uCH_-RErBXhZKgA_26MyA5ySeKLb4GKc_dehBVIWNKMp0Tim6zSjyFODeyRCbB72AcuXvOYDIx_ZbbIkRFWO_Lj-wknCIZ0abnyQaepVWFrSVL-99bCLiibHUZVEobDw/s2048/13736db8-cc50-41f1-9f19-3031377d9449.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1532" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguvnPft6BaUAFUmOh0BYDjJ8khsMZwRqogKIcUhYEdwwPgg2Efu_uCH_-RErBXhZKgA_26MyA5ySeKLb4GKc_dehBVIWNKMp0Tim6zSjyFODeyRCbB72AcuXvOYDIx_ZbbIkRFWO_Lj-wknCIZ0abnyQaepVWFrSVL-99bCLiibHUZVEobDw/s320/13736db8-cc50-41f1-9f19-3031377d9449.jpeg" width="239" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Made it in one piece - just!</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>Thursday<div>A pretty lazy day. Anne and I went for a walk around Rauris, before coming back for lunch and generally loafing about. The skiers returned about 4pm and we went over to the local aprés ski all for a bit of a session. Good fun was had by all!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizjxIOj7O-JDswuv3eJAvu407Nrqxelb_hTVm76SpuEZTq-3BAqhSNCT5ba6H9kSW_Hw7CekN20mSaAsPn9eh3rTdYJWh9Cor7l0IXhwXN9ihvZ7OVX6JxQOaZcXqAsgMtRZ_-9F6uZg3xDJi0xAHYriNtGStPE7diGv_1GVxSCYtOONI_vw/s4032/IMG_6611.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizjxIOj7O-JDswuv3eJAvu407Nrqxelb_hTVm76SpuEZTq-3BAqhSNCT5ba6H9kSW_Hw7CekN20mSaAsPn9eh3rTdYJWh9Cor7l0IXhwXN9ihvZ7OVX6JxQOaZcXqAsgMtRZ_-9F6uZg3xDJi0xAHYriNtGStPE7diGv_1GVxSCYtOONI_vw/s320/IMG_6611.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the two rivers in Rauris</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH3dMCO84drdA041S9G4QW4DyXRgsjLSTrt4BBG-8yL4YGGFnJjH8h66BBD-M7aeDea2UgKgM1dnMuFIrDUZc0QgZpuxfeiSWF-RMx6A93CRHFm5jc9tgnIWsqSsfxsWBxPcgRNl_tlpHAB8QOlteeCAMfr8Ol6cQY_yEjEFWlDQFpzTmldg/s4032/IMG_6615.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH3dMCO84drdA041S9G4QW4DyXRgsjLSTrt4BBG-8yL4YGGFnJjH8h66BBD-M7aeDea2UgKgM1dnMuFIrDUZc0QgZpuxfeiSWF-RMx6A93CRHFm5jc9tgnIWsqSsfxsWBxPcgRNl_tlpHAB8QOlteeCAMfr8Ol6cQY_yEjEFWlDQFpzTmldg/s320/IMG_6615.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The oldest building in Rauris.<br />Still not sure what it is/was</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE413V03yxpl2Sdwa3XzLVUmd4e4Ndemd1bT5XWoL5vgPwFcBAgLIcxLpcIgJ9jnOIa6Ob4WR2qYFesE8rGTb6TdTK8hVfQh5DKK8TPPQ8GohMAQJJJr5Vgt9tSez1b5ZYDwIdmC4wJU1sMZUGP_qyE_JJugtEURwA8-TSfmZmEUxtmNF0nw/s1600/fc82aadb-1033-44d6-a309-22610550c469.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="685" data-original-width="1600" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE413V03yxpl2Sdwa3XzLVUmd4e4Ndemd1bT5XWoL5vgPwFcBAgLIcxLpcIgJ9jnOIa6Ob4WR2qYFesE8rGTb6TdTK8hVfQh5DKK8TPPQ8GohMAQJJJr5Vgt9tSez1b5ZYDwIdmC4wJU1sMZUGP_qyE_JJugtEURwA8-TSfmZmEUxtmNF0nw/s320/fc82aadb-1033-44d6-a309-22610550c469.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apres ski!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_EcVYzao0yvIPeo10VWML1JGELwH8e8hYqvjvtfu9C9fnu86o6qJ7-3oufuIayT35Ct0Le54V3RCYZEUMPPEAs12sUo4vtMLyTsc6uUeyGQ86oO8S1FSx5v7HliHsgem6X5leWOUH936vxSNWMt_H1UMs0wTtbpdNz7tSYvWQ5LohVMMxA/s4032/IMG_6633.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_EcVYzao0yvIPeo10VWML1JGELwH8e8hYqvjvtfu9C9fnu86o6qJ7-3oufuIayT35Ct0Le54V3RCYZEUMPPEAs12sUo4vtMLyTsc6uUeyGQ86oO8S1FSx5v7HliHsgem6X5leWOUH936vxSNWMt_H1UMs0wTtbpdNz7tSYvWQ5LohVMMxA/s320/IMG_6633.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shots</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQho7za-XiHUYdHbc0MIBVSvXwZ_BkhpALMNusVGr4osisjnjAYqWRSXSMT4wNYy0_ue7tYWPtcdSAolYH6xRn5uMI7GNWtoj7oEzS-3O10NRtu7hgz1u_nDrWwhoPXv8mej_g9wgbQUTBwFWZdTUe74nWF57h_058p1o0GfBXW0_ZqvhgQ/s4032/IMG_6639.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQho7za-XiHUYdHbc0MIBVSvXwZ_BkhpALMNusVGr4osisjnjAYqWRSXSMT4wNYy0_ue7tYWPtcdSAolYH6xRn5uMI7GNWtoj7oEzS-3O10NRtu7hgz1u_nDrWwhoPXv8mej_g9wgbQUTBwFWZdTUe74nWF57h_058p1o0GfBXW0_ZqvhgQ/s320/IMG_6639.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apres ski giggles</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX4C6396YArvpSz47-GBnpBCuLrxeRyQcqD1Q55BJz9CJ6r-RN8eEMjgFh6wm99nxLWuGU8CmCK9E27_Rrngvm91vxvewtKEV-rmeTyxfnIUqT03f2H3uieJt-mVGFAQiw5knfEWDn_00Kl4xsmFgFIieVGVNFsuTtUJba8sF3LY1Z0LZnYA/s2000/8fbe2958-42bb-469f-ae89-bd35c4f66dc8.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX4C6396YArvpSz47-GBnpBCuLrxeRyQcqD1Q55BJz9CJ6r-RN8eEMjgFh6wm99nxLWuGU8CmCK9E27_Rrngvm91vxvewtKEV-rmeTyxfnIUqT03f2H3uieJt-mVGFAQiw5knfEWDn_00Kl4xsmFgFIieVGVNFsuTtUJba8sF3LY1Z0LZnYA/s320/8fbe2958-42bb-469f-ae89-bd35c4f66dc8.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheers!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Friday<br /><div>By now the temperature was above freezing, and the thaw was well and truly set in. What had been snow all over at ground level (970m above sea level, but still ground level), was now mostly gone apart from the snow cannoned nursery slopes and ski run finish. There was plenty of snow higher up though. We took the cable car up the mountain, and did a walk on a snowy trail back to an all for lunch before descending back by cable car.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY5cOWVdX7kbnCuE2XvQdlVy3c3wxnM9KzGvtsZqAMUPso5XTkegjyFz4uRNllFdgXlq4CaDvtefxEleTC9mJxiv33sa2rU6aIlKFFTLrOfiNMQFwptLbEeoSZ7l-cz39DYFTgAmalBqMetDoBok1SVknJV9fsHhHqYVb7dAdQS489j4_sgQ/s5472/IMG_0822.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5472" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY5cOWVdX7kbnCuE2XvQdlVy3c3wxnM9KzGvtsZqAMUPso5XTkegjyFz4uRNllFdgXlq4CaDvtefxEleTC9mJxiv33sa2rU6aIlKFFTLrOfiNMQFwptLbEeoSZ7l-cz39DYFTgAmalBqMetDoBok1SVknJV9fsHhHqYVb7dAdQS489j4_sgQ/s320/IMG_0822.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My wife's niece on the slopes</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBE37LcFCCuA7gTYEHY4vhDNfycwk86gexKGDacGisMoOFz18rpodrLgtl3eHEKAPPE79Y2mrHKq7v-BeiOWQvN8O0sHfh4f7vk8KRwiZzGbW6M8a6m_jdzYQcLimdhWy6DYKrbVmjaNYHjg6iL3bIEKIjWLuW2_AzcAJgDzUDl7yUnsgdQ/s6240/IMG_0823.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="6240" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBE37LcFCCuA7gTYEHY4vhDNfycwk86gexKGDacGisMoOFz18rpodrLgtl3eHEKAPPE79Y2mrHKq7v-BeiOWQvN8O0sHfh4f7vk8KRwiZzGbW6M8a6m_jdzYQcLimdhWy6DYKrbVmjaNYHjg6iL3bIEKIjWLuW2_AzcAJgDzUDl7yUnsgdQ/s320/IMG_0823.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting our snowy walk at about 1,700m</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD1uET0OIGcem_Br30OS1rh5xhFTTQHDOLTJlonpldsJSOAW4mJLyVJsZCeJTPwpSVghXhyE9FK8NeYo61op2FQLHCCa7vinRipaoMoC5CfWK-aU5ZC8vwwlrFPmVPfOhC02jOZ1V58oARodjaAFGrDLyGZRqgBMKkT_FIjLb4cx565qP8OQ/s6240/IMG_0829.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="6240" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD1uET0OIGcem_Br30OS1rh5xhFTTQHDOLTJlonpldsJSOAW4mJLyVJsZCeJTPwpSVghXhyE9FK8NeYo61op2FQLHCCa7vinRipaoMoC5CfWK-aU5ZC8vwwlrFPmVPfOhC02jOZ1V58oARodjaAFGrDLyGZRqgBMKkT_FIjLb4cx565qP8OQ/s320/IMG_0829.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountains and valleys</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj81aS_VawZyvclMMEnRl8WcJsp18TAMAMjb0UZRn6S6inRHiMb0N0UIVmeigNxYNvxG_12Q3PkenB4sl16cw9oV1XfKrbmEF-knphE8QbW3a9fYDWBR8KGZDYutldJcyqucNgPCneSxKOPH5-Yf0c7g3ljyszpyQCFYyYVgmDw9Yt0WZG9uw/s3269/IMG_3934.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3269" data-original-width="2365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj81aS_VawZyvclMMEnRl8WcJsp18TAMAMjb0UZRn6S6inRHiMb0N0UIVmeigNxYNvxG_12Q3PkenB4sl16cw9oV1XfKrbmEF-knphE8QbW3a9fYDWBR8KGZDYutldJcyqucNgPCneSxKOPH5-Yf0c7g3ljyszpyQCFYyYVgmDw9Yt0WZG9uw/s320/IMG_3934.jpeg" width="232" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The snow's deep up here</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiazLatVE-KnxnlEdNzM3wvNRhqVDqVz8CnUpse8qizga1zzUaRwIKpVVfaAzrFqtTs5ekGBikRPnWuEi7m4Xql3tlzK6W3CWsZxnJTXs6daYAGOSFNZHjhYPu1W987MH7NNx7dFbXZHGeSRn1GH0Wnz1Ubz-s3EfMUPFkZQoPdDAqFagw7TQ/s4032/IMG_6658.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiazLatVE-KnxnlEdNzM3wvNRhqVDqVz8CnUpse8qizga1zzUaRwIKpVVfaAzrFqtTs5ekGBikRPnWuEi7m4Xql3tlzK6W3CWsZxnJTXs6daYAGOSFNZHjhYPu1W987MH7NNx7dFbXZHGeSRn1GH0Wnz1Ubz-s3EfMUPFkZQoPdDAqFagw7TQ/s320/IMG_6658.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tilly's Trail</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzE0DhKDn_gD7vkgCwZjNePkCgVRTG0f49IRVkuAjxTft9Ii24kPefIwIzI6tdBJGeiKCbTKhvTQNGiO_OX2Dn6K9qQUiareIUWDKrQL_86HD-ERsmIsv8b5yZ5tqEyapC2F0Uss_oDGBphE2SFYD9RViXTVE09d0xL5AQZtz3UpgHqe_sAw/s4032/IMG_6668.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzE0DhKDn_gD7vkgCwZjNePkCgVRTG0f49IRVkuAjxTft9Ii24kPefIwIzI6tdBJGeiKCbTKhvTQNGiO_OX2Dn6K9qQUiareIUWDKrQL_86HD-ERsmIsv8b5yZ5tqEyapC2F0Uss_oDGBphE2SFYD9RViXTVE09d0xL5AQZtz3UpgHqe_sAw/s320/IMG_6668.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow angel</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div>All in all we had a great time. I was, I have to admit, quite jealous of the skiers. Despite my reservations on age and dodgy knees, when I saw the age and condition of some people on the slopes, I reckon I could give it a go. Who knows, maybe next year?</div><div><br /></div><div>As an aside, what was truly magnificent was seeing the children on the slopes, some so small, but fearless and technically quite brilliant at skiing. Ah, sometimes I wish I was younger!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>All photos here are from my iPhone. A fuller set taken with my "proper" cameras is available on <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/simon_hiscocks/albums/72177720314256988/" target="_blank">my Flickr pages here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Twitter: @Statto1927 <div>Threads/Instagram: simon_hiscocks<br /><div>Mastodon: @simonhiscocks@toot.wales </div><div>Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/people/simon_hiscocks/ </div><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div>Stattohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05101176230353582280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372129.post-75834594719978627032023-12-31T12:11:00.003+00:002023-12-31T12:12:32.727+00:00Lincolnshire - land of my youth<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji6MvIH1rYCoDaGh0Hr6uwHCa1z4CawKR3kyrupfv7QJHzX-ynbbyE1WQwowSUZ4Z7G1PrTSCxG6SFrqoP_0fqNX5WoVCI_NfBv-Lg2ydrr8hQQ-kVMMWlF44zJgISzGNTEDZhsWGgsO47GETDhvkR_QOJgoc2Q7ogHIy4G5x6GCIeumaQ6Q/s3930/IMG_6216.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2948" data-original-width="3930" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji6MvIH1rYCoDaGh0Hr6uwHCa1z4CawKR3kyrupfv7QJHzX-ynbbyE1WQwowSUZ4Z7G1PrTSCxG6SFrqoP_0fqNX5WoVCI_NfBv-Lg2ydrr8hQQ-kVMMWlF44zJgISzGNTEDZhsWGgsO47GETDhvkR_QOJgoc2Q7ogHIy4G5x6GCIeumaQ6Q/s320/IMG_6216.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Lincolnshire fens near Billingborough</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>We're just back from a swift visit between Christmas and New Year, to my brother's in <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiXmMKV0rmDAxWbVUEAHdiEB84QFnoECDgQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FLincolnshire&usg=AOvVaw0Pys1_j4jdDZs_d2xuzvAH&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Lincolnshire</a>. We lived about 8 miles away from where he now lives from (very) late 1969 until 1979, so my formative years between 10 and 20 were spent growing up there. <a href="https://stattos.blogspot.com/2008/02/lincolnshire.html" target="_blank">I wrote briefly about it here</a> a long time ago.</div><div><br /></div><div>We lived on the fens, where it is very flat. It's rural and pretty much all arable farming land. It can be very bleak, and the skies are huge courtesy of the flatness, and consequently it can get very windy too.</div><div><br /></div><div>When my parents moved to Chepstow in 1979 I was in many ways glad to leave Lincolnshire behind, but the longer I've been away, the more I find myself missing it</div><div><br /></div><div>It's been several years since we've made it over there, so it was great to get back for a big family get together. and a walk round the area taking in <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiMqc740bmDAxVLTEEAHW6cDCkQFnoECBMQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FSempringham_Priory&usg=AOvVaw0FrPxnQPjpuO68-trnnApW&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Sempringham Abbey</a> when the rain stopped!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoSCqb-4c1dLUnvtqOMJ_HxMegPSFwXS0ginkdSVs4bvHs3HnPxA2kEvqV6KRQU8KtW8JoZ3NlKWNSOBhkKWEx7eO8TTIUvZvgcCCrU6JPj5sP34g3kFCtOutFXfM0KybKspKyW3Xw04WUsVHyhY7kUXNpUXfehRxvRVn03-rZyBdTofATJw/s6240/Sempringham%20Abbey%20mono.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4097" data-original-width="6240" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoSCqb-4c1dLUnvtqOMJ_HxMegPSFwXS0ginkdSVs4bvHs3HnPxA2kEvqV6KRQU8KtW8JoZ3NlKWNSOBhkKWEx7eO8TTIUvZvgcCCrU6JPj5sP34g3kFCtOutFXfM0KybKspKyW3Xw04WUsVHyhY7kUXNpUXfehRxvRVn03-rZyBdTofATJw/s320/Sempringham%20Abbey%20mono.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sempringham Abbey<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Who knew that there was a Welsh connection in Lincolnshire? Certainly It's not something I knew about when I lived near here!</div></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjF28BDy4ithpBU7p3LnzQQexLhq2q_AjL7p00I7iYXW7clCb8wWjMBYVrKRcDOiV3ILeLr18q_OdL7Xx89DV2of2GU8qYLAh0-VMb02RAlj1vogbv6FNOuNVbYnWyw0IHW3az8vY1jH9fCrseW5Tw4kmkm_eXvZOiEBusYKso468rI24g1A/s4032/IMG_6217.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjF28BDy4ithpBU7p3LnzQQexLhq2q_AjL7p00I7iYXW7clCb8wWjMBYVrKRcDOiV3ILeLr18q_OdL7Xx89DV2of2GU8qYLAh0-VMb02RAlj1vogbv6FNOuNVbYnWyw0IHW3az8vY1jH9fCrseW5Tw4kmkm_eXvZOiEBusYKso468rI24g1A/s320/IMG_6217.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sempringham Abbey info</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div>The fens lie very low - some below sea level, and most not far above it. The land is drained by "dykes" that criss cross the land, edging many of the fields before draining into larger "drains" and eventually, the local rivers and onto the <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjguNah0rmDAxWqSkEAHbYhCXUQFnoECBQQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FThe_Wash&usg=AOvVaw0t2dUmOGVUpqLMqsLELyoE&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Wash</a>. Some of the dykes are little more than small ditches, and some are huge - almost rivers in their own right, usually with steep sided banks. Many a day I spent fishing on my local drain, the South Forty Foot drain a couple of miles from my house. I spent much of my youth wandering the fens in my local area near <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwi6xsKH0rmDAxVsREEAHWVgCwsQFnoECCkQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FDonington%2C_Lincolnshire&usg=AOvVaw3tWMG6zqzABtmej_7_qQFc&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Donington</a>, the village where we lived. Fishing, exploring the dykes and bridges and observing wildlife from pheasants, to curlews, water voles and more.</div><br /><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvv6rHG9RgTLNV1kmWDaR4sdXuBwaZpwq_ZM5TBBZ0PTtvyD8wx93Y14ovpYwSsZ8Kpri06vH_4DWYgMlzEFClfyRHta9aaX71ZBf0MtLbGSYKGcZyCoDzbplpq7GVHE-PLnZ1E1LEq89mNpbM5vDt2n05VT0onEd7InCf-0lPGQ-P3WXCA/s2918/Screenshot%202023-12-31%20at%2011.54.08.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2164" data-original-width="2918" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOvv6rHG9RgTLNV1kmWDaR4sdXuBwaZpwq_ZM5TBBZ0PTtvyD8wx93Y14ovpYwSsZ8Kpri06vH_4DWYgMlzEFClfyRHta9aaX71ZBf0MtLbGSYKGcZyCoDzbplpq7GVHE-PLnZ1E1LEq89mNpbM5vDt2n05VT0onEd7InCf-0lPGQ-P3WXCA/s320/Screenshot%202023-12-31%20at%2011.54.08.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sempringham Abbey, a dyke and a old bridge</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div>Nostalgia eh? </div><div><br /></div>Twitter: @Statto1927 <div>Instagram/Threads: simon_hiscocks<br /><div>Mastodon: @simonhiscocks@toot.wales </div><div>Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/people/simon_hiscocks/ </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>Stattohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05101176230353582280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372129.post-76807132527959727262023-12-21T17:43:00.004+00:002023-12-23T09:41:47.944+00:00The glorious Peak District - even in the rain<div>I'm a bit late with this post - about a month and half late truth be told. Stuff just gets in the way, doesn't it?</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNfiaB8c-dbf8sBucoFAOF9QYglQQRDcnxYbxkxFbdjETqeIVMRvDf-15Tuqp6pRgfSGLlbNTnJq-qAKjDBFA_QBUzavsJfitdsRN3_e-QKFDqiHuMrBUFOKG0UAw23dFdw6osdq6XwrNNEQPyPUMR0rwBSQHc26Er8rvQIiHRmSv6CDKnw/s6240/Higger%20Tor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="6240" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieNfiaB8c-dbf8sBucoFAOF9QYglQQRDcnxYbxkxFbdjETqeIVMRvDf-15Tuqp6pRgfSGLlbNTnJq-qAKjDBFA_QBUzavsJfitdsRN3_e-QKFDqiHuMrBUFOKG0UAw23dFdw6osdq6XwrNNEQPyPUMR0rwBSQHc26Er8rvQIiHRmSv6CDKnw/s320/Higger%20Tor.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Higger Tor from the Longshaw Estate</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>As regular readers will know, we usually have a large family get away in late October/early November, most often to the Peak District, but a couple of times to Devon. This year it was the Peaks again and a week away in Matlock. Slightly depleted this year, as a few couldn't make it, and more poignantly our first family get away after losing my brother in law to cancer in March (he was the one who'd booked this trip), a total of 11 of us made the trip. With only my daughter and wife's niece under 50, we're long past the days of hiking up the bigger hills on 10 mile traipses. A couple of miles and a nice coffee shop tended to be the order of the day for the most part.</div><div><br /></div><div>We stayed in a large house - <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwi39bCWiaGDAxWERkEAHXf-APgQFnoECBIQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.holidaycottages.co.uk%2Fcottage%2F89448-riber-house&usg=AOvVaw3-dJfyoP8kzUgA5_KQxjej&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Riber House</a> on a hill overlooking <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjGtNeuiaGDAxXJQ0EAHdAuAKcQFnoECDsQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fvisitpeakdistrict.com%2Flocations%2Fmatlock-matlock-bath&usg=AOvVaw20AVmJ66BjzlQk4D4kKezr&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Matlock</a> and underneath the imposing <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwi39bCWiaGDAxWERkEAHXf-APgQFnoECBQQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FRiber_Castle&usg=AOvVaw2LipC4xEDIzTv4dNGKgeFs&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Riber Hall</a>. The journey to the house was inserting. Up a 1:3/1:4 hill with a couple of sharp hairpin bends, before a quarter of a mile along a rough track, but worth it. The house was fantastically set up, and included a hot tub on the patio and a pool table in the basement. The only downside, it was remote, so no easy walk to a pub. Mind you, we had enough beer and wine to sink a battleship!</div><div><br /></div><div>The hot tub was well utilised, and we did find a nice pub that served food for an evening meal out, and we were very comfortable in the well equipped house during our stay. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqF5gZRrBBHxwdGwPApOf2NmfdCueXpUcBzufluDjDbbbZursZ3UhgvOCkNTP6zZIAhxkFS3B2dkZ9eSHVKsNy40TtQTruZzhy2Hr0yCCwF1tct4HoPKmJl6dJEJ8ws1KDL-Eu_jnjz3P1_hlaq1F7-gH5fu6devw8RYmzqvvEzrbi3yoxpw/s5434/Riber%20Hall%20and%20Riber%20House.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5434" data-original-width="3624" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqF5gZRrBBHxwdGwPApOf2NmfdCueXpUcBzufluDjDbbbZursZ3UhgvOCkNTP6zZIAhxkFS3B2dkZ9eSHVKsNy40TtQTruZzhy2Hr0yCCwF1tct4HoPKmJl6dJEJ8ws1KDL-Eu_jnjz3P1_hlaq1F7-gH5fu6devw8RYmzqvvEzrbi3yoxpw/s320/Riber%20Hall%20and%20Riber%20House.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our accommodation is the house just below Riber Hall<br />Taken from a bridge over the river Derwent in Matlock</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>As is usual, we broke our journey up from South Wales with an overnight stop at my sister-in-law's house in Solihull. The following day we stopped en route to Matlock at <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjgw5y6iaGDAxU7QUEAHVwUBXoQFnoECEwQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nationaltrust.org.uk%2Fvisit%2Fpeak-district-derbyshire%2Fkedleston-hall&usg=AOvVaw0lkX_4INqubxfBXqh7y2ID&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Keddlestone Hall</a> a National Trust property, for a wiser, coffee and a bite to eat. As most of the group are NT members, a lot of our visits tend towards places like this and it was a pleasant stop for a couple of hours.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb8hQH5fsSv3cnyVRkce5ZO9zek70e1cA7Ki9z2Lzw9kaDiBnmZn6A3OBZZPDd9ZjQFQoZYwoERgP9xhfyvN4XFVOydC6QCRsGhD0lcYSTQiSCp3U_MytpVXYU7uLnx5ZbwOl9rH216KHvnVaDjvwCZzQaZ8WXbrZ3E4Vgql5xMCCVaLUbXA/s6034/Keddlestone%20bridge.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4021" data-original-width="6034" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb8hQH5fsSv3cnyVRkce5ZO9zek70e1cA7Ki9z2Lzw9kaDiBnmZn6A3OBZZPDd9ZjQFQoZYwoERgP9xhfyvN4XFVOydC6QCRsGhD0lcYSTQiSCp3U_MytpVXYU7uLnx5ZbwOl9rH216KHvnVaDjvwCZzQaZ8WXbrZ3E4Vgql5xMCCVaLUbXA/s320/Keddlestone%20bridge.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(Some of) The grounds of Keddlestone Hall</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>After a week of decent weather, the forecast for our week away was pretty miserable. Our first full day was a bit of a washout with the weather, although we popped into Matlock in the rain. The next day we managed to dodge the showers on a lovely walk along the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjLm63RiaGDAxUPVUEAHTiACqUQFnoECC8QAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fvisitpeakdistrict.com%2Fbusiness-directory%2Fcromford-canal&usg=AOvVaw1qAjj9atiR6hic9Yi6riJg&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Cromford canal</a> a couple of miles from Matlock. When the sun did peek through the rain clouds, it lit up the autumn foliage beautifully. </div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDZJC8dAoJWgYPDbXOpcee15CWbLaKYS8CPWPuTIUuquCaZ09oiJc89mdyk6aAruZPmnoI9VuQaE64oPgutZK_B2Eu6GJ2XPOkeUtCQkBsKPrnUZr7X9wuqNuIyG9oQ2kxqQNHaB67zKi9-M4Wk0qAuoXHaPiE7EobAnjGNf2Bq7PNJ8XbJA/s4032/IMG_5747.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDZJC8dAoJWgYPDbXOpcee15CWbLaKYS8CPWPuTIUuquCaZ09oiJc89mdyk6aAruZPmnoI9VuQaE64oPgutZK_B2Eu6GJ2XPOkeUtCQkBsKPrnUZr7X9wuqNuIyG9oQ2kxqQNHaB67zKi9-M4Wk0qAuoXHaPiE7EobAnjGNf2Bq7PNJ8XbJA/s320/IMG_5747.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the crew</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_6YtNFJmYZopTdP_-bTDCJWVGpMfu8uZENxyslEKKBXOLlgdtYPGUMgjCqVQodcWlbFyZ2QOHD72KDzM_1KKhpV4w9cmZ0cvO0Kotr0CaNvQyU9HoMaT7oZ8b95l88riHffkacQhLnd1HF72_jcLXX3gDGBheR6WbVFUHMxlm9HXsVDgWlw/s4032/IMG_5745.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_6YtNFJmYZopTdP_-bTDCJWVGpMfu8uZENxyslEKKBXOLlgdtYPGUMgjCqVQodcWlbFyZ2QOHD72KDzM_1KKhpV4w9cmZ0cvO0Kotr0CaNvQyU9HoMaT7oZ8b95l88riHffkacQhLnd1HF72_jcLXX3gDGBheR6WbVFUHMxlm9HXsVDgWlw/s320/IMG_5745.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cromford Canal</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwimxfzFiaGDAxW7SkEAHX6bDKMQFnoECAgQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.chatsworth.org%2F&usg=AOvVaw28j7lmZspQpX19K2FOJv-a&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Chatsworth</a> estate is a regular haunt on our visits to this area, but we're normally too early for the Christmas decorations and market. This year though we were better timed, and had booked tickets to see the festive decorations in the house. We began with a walk across the grounds to the house and around the Christmas market before going into the house at our allotted time. The place was heaving - the market especially so, but the timed entry to the house at least kept the crowds slightly more organised.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrp-0RZIKnGSxjSq-LLXdSPCp0oAy5Xn5OEBAGm7d6ZLlLkwvrW7L2ywgfgVx_GTKyBJPHBxbx10mmD4nFcTK2ypzy1uUwR-H26NpuZ5vbgfbGFxI_SOGqkQYNg7m1MF4KjI9RanuLRW66VPe1gFwVptbfQ7tjqLa69i5Gm0-K7zeqPbZDQ/s6173/Chatsworth%20House%202.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4115" data-original-width="6173" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrp-0RZIKnGSxjSq-LLXdSPCp0oAy5Xn5OEBAGm7d6ZLlLkwvrW7L2ywgfgVx_GTKyBJPHBxbx10mmD4nFcTK2ypzy1uUwR-H26NpuZ5vbgfbGFxI_SOGqkQYNg7m1MF4KjI9RanuLRW66VPe1gFwVptbfQ7tjqLa69i5Gm0-K7zeqPbZDQ/s320/Chatsworth%20House%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chatsworth House<br />(the hundreds of visitor cars not visible in this photo!)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG18XneVvvOl74aXHlj9Vj6FBKJV9_j2X9TwdP9nXGh1MH38OwKnU9wlm6qZNhy1Npdav4dl_SCytHROl7oyX74SVrO4VLL9f5H6zsYsMp6vtlpMHoaaCcHGokIr1GklVG1UUxDqFFUqlHA9LVb9cqgI8BCyVe6OcLym9-_Bn4a5LAnQGNIg/s4032/IMG_5775.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG18XneVvvOl74aXHlj9Vj6FBKJV9_j2X9TwdP9nXGh1MH38OwKnU9wlm6qZNhy1Npdav4dl_SCytHROl7oyX74SVrO4VLL9f5H6zsYsMp6vtlpMHoaaCcHGokIr1GklVG1UUxDqFFUqlHA9LVb9cqgI8BCyVe6OcLym9-_Bn4a5LAnQGNIg/s320/IMG_5775.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the main hall at Chatsworth</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>The following day was another wet one (well they all were to be fair), and we had a leisurely walking from a car park close to <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiXq56GiqGDAxVyWkEAHb7OAhUQFnoECDkQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fvisitpeakdistrict.com%2Flocations%2Fbakewell&usg=AOvVaw0VWQdt5-HqQEFVnDWFcEGb&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Bakewell</a>, into the town and a meander around the shops, stopping for the obligatory coffee and snack. Bakewell's a lovely spot, though obviously gets very busy because it's such a pretty and central spot.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxk6eX5gJJcWwmjJ-fu1Xzewpsm4cvz2sZpSffByvqVpdsn5GrvhfrYgPkAFvKZpd8w7n8ZnjAGJ6Q5Ahzv3UVAL6DrvJ_nusFsyiEh4j-brTkmJrtjjHFrwr-dk97nfQAJPRhUqBwZx2fh5de6wJ0zumJJdNnjwnzhYGZ0kMuK7uwfQ7U0g/s4550/IMG_0727.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3008" data-original-width="4550" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxk6eX5gJJcWwmjJ-fu1Xzewpsm4cvz2sZpSffByvqVpdsn5GrvhfrYgPkAFvKZpd8w7n8ZnjAGJ6Q5Ahzv3UVAL6DrvJ_nusFsyiEh4j-brTkmJrtjjHFrwr-dk97nfQAJPRhUqBwZx2fh5de6wJ0zumJJdNnjwnzhYGZ0kMuK7uwfQ7U0g/s320/IMG_0727.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bakewell and the river Derwent</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>One of the things I defiantly wanted to see on this visit was the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjv577ciaGDAxVgTkEAHXjwCzIQFnoECDsQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.peakdistrict.gov.uk%2Fvisiting%2Fmiles-without-stiles%2Fderwent-dam&usg=AOvVaw0JBlBvd0V7T80yNO-NAHhn&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Derwent reservoir dam</a>, just above the Ladybower reservoir. This was the series of dams that the Dambusters used as their training ground before their famous attack on the Rhur dams. Whilst that peaked my interests, I was rather more interested to see if the water was flowing over the top - given all the rain we'd had, I needed have worried. It was pouring over!<div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgslaPLgwCmuMNWziE2Y_ACDIr_qSbv8A-bzgd-wXePCMpmseyRdcSXwYm0ThJZNcB3rbbWvEi-sypvtpLdn89fb9IG0uYSlgZeVdamgHfrpfDzFsGSVy-XtYMwW-MSMTGG59S3oHSZ4jZhg5xR098N44Kb1HBjF_5E9uPmJ1IkbZlfrUsgvA/s4032/IMG_5802.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgslaPLgwCmuMNWziE2Y_ACDIr_qSbv8A-bzgd-wXePCMpmseyRdcSXwYm0ThJZNcB3rbbWvEi-sypvtpLdn89fb9IG0uYSlgZeVdamgHfrpfDzFsGSVy-XtYMwW-MSMTGG59S3oHSZ4jZhg5xR098N44Kb1HBjF_5E9uPmJ1IkbZlfrUsgvA/s320/IMG_5802.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water overspilling the Derwent Dam</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-cFg-HlP7xhd563NaGb3Z8LOknGPM_9YbgIiQuYLPAx7Vpl3nTrvof_PIHVOKxpmZJu4QDAWc3D3sO-a4eoegzAr65MMughwIUBOVSvdjSbpRxqlQWjKpb0DlxwxM-H3lgQiW12GI5EdB03jR_8sa6mnuKtzqZqzRzKW8xnE90eWNggXTQ/s3854/IMG_5808.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2890" data-original-width="3854" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-cFg-HlP7xhd563NaGb3Z8LOknGPM_9YbgIiQuYLPAx7Vpl3nTrvof_PIHVOKxpmZJu4QDAWc3D3sO-a4eoegzAr65MMughwIUBOVSvdjSbpRxqlQWjKpb0DlxwxM-H3lgQiW12GI5EdB03jR_8sa6mnuKtzqZqzRzKW8xnE90eWNggXTQ/s320/IMG_5808.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alongside the Derwent Dam</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-Wmw9vtbXnUL2XYJFA6KoZkCn5kxiu9f2LrfAyhY8CSoLBi94epEQ61rs_K1bL2bPLySN-LtVOiHujDjmD8KfddwJnKuD8JKvPdqilvgN_jaOuB3sqrQn6O-YyTkOWbG3orbwlEDvnGV8SHGyC0ayqUYfu8K-qvqVs1rwHLe9IvbcVWPkg/s3669/IMG_5835.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2752" data-original-width="3669" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-Wmw9vtbXnUL2XYJFA6KoZkCn5kxiu9f2LrfAyhY8CSoLBi94epEQ61rs_K1bL2bPLySN-LtVOiHujDjmD8KfddwJnKuD8JKvPdqilvgN_jaOuB3sqrQn6O-YyTkOWbG3orbwlEDvnGV8SHGyC0ayqUYfu8K-qvqVs1rwHLe9IvbcVWPkg/s320/IMG_5835.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Derwent Dam</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuNZy3L0cSvg0CrSiSfeJFQCu0sttEzts-ibs5nHtgtqXCdjJJCEHXPz4HUwzetAgsg2c7DA2EKxgFPW6xhxR22rtvV0-lOO98-ybk7yQ6uWYoNAUlS_9JbuFDtbUny-MpuNk9fHIDGOzoWqmROWs8H8jFYDNRA3DmgZNLdN7F4okrluTezA/s5000/53329467840_e198b5ff8d_o.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3317" data-original-width="5000" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuNZy3L0cSvg0CrSiSfeJFQCu0sttEzts-ibs5nHtgtqXCdjJJCEHXPz4HUwzetAgsg2c7DA2EKxgFPW6xhxR22rtvV0-lOO98-ybk7yQ6uWYoNAUlS_9JbuFDtbUny-MpuNk9fHIDGOzoWqmROWs8H8jFYDNRA3DmgZNLdN7F4okrluTezA/s320/53329467840_e198b5ff8d_o.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ladybower reservoir below the Derwent Dam</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Our final day we parked at another NT place, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiOqLv4iaGDAxW7U0EAHUXgDu4QFnoECEgQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nationaltrust.org.uk%2Fvisit%2Fpeak-district-derbyshire%2Flongshaw-burbage-and-the-eastern-moors&usg=AOvVaw3r9lINoXTjbm0ak7YcYPLr&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Longshaw Estate</a> and did a 5 or so mile circular walk through down through get impressive <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjLooPriaGDAxWeTEEAHcAqCx4QFnoECEYQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fvisitpeakdistrict.com%2Fbusiness-directory%2Fpadley-gorge&usg=AOvVaw1IUBm4nRJgsxORmzqTw2JX&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Padley Gorge</a>. The weather was kinder to us and whilst it was wet underfoot, at least it didn't rain! The autumn colours, and gushing brook and waterfalls were fabulous.</div><div>Oh, and we stopped for coffee and cake...</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsN42jH7guev5jmricwxzbkC1JDxPh2Ip_sVd1O7UHP45bzq0ujzci4XTQfo5N21-yAwBgso413K_mBLNUbhJUO_6JfPuUyfWmY-aj7vdlQROVLURTQrHMPWa5n8EOWgc5AncCG5-HXxWQ6eACvPntSxktcUStwUdAZlh3Jxn8rsA6_UCyw/s4032/IMG_5855.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsN42jH7guev5jmricwxzbkC1JDxPh2Ip_sVd1O7UHP45bzq0ujzci4XTQfo5N21-yAwBgso413K_mBLNUbhJUO_6JfPuUyfWmY-aj7vdlQROVLURTQrHMPWa5n8EOWgc5AncCG5-HXxWQ6eACvPntSxktcUStwUdAZlh3Jxn8rsA6_UCyw/s320/IMG_5855.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Descending into Padley Gorge</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQao7WztGgkiphKoB8CU-Ve-gjSJFbDDNaCwr38m-wuIK9IlXvhLYreWdt63QfxTPi1k_t9Jd1EYaPVBQO10y7Jnchzf9bNq0girFEGJ7w8b-RVSqaJ_roUfJcEb7QpLY5bO-sBuCkZWLnD-dmtR7nhlFNLb6PU9UzpIQ86y2kIV6sB06PkQ/s4032/IMG_5859.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQao7WztGgkiphKoB8CU-Ve-gjSJFbDDNaCwr38m-wuIK9IlXvhLYreWdt63QfxTPi1k_t9Jd1EYaPVBQO10y7Jnchzf9bNq0girFEGJ7w8b-RVSqaJ_roUfJcEb7QpLY5bO-sBuCkZWLnD-dmtR7nhlFNLb6PU9UzpIQ86y2kIV6sB06PkQ/s320/IMG_5859.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Down at the bottom</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-Kdx9T8uAz58dML1ltYuml-hKEUY68tf-uqi2mjYcPoB05UHW0ejuZFSbvG2Nij34gj-8jXG4QhHWcFl-E52FZZg1XQqyQj8n8n-mIkNZ8WoorcecLBI9taVVgAzpqJpYqgRZqMpqrW9DlWbWvydvcaoVv66xEfeeyPly0TWP_F5SGK5qQ/s3739/IMG_5867.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3739" data-original-width="2835" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-Kdx9T8uAz58dML1ltYuml-hKEUY68tf-uqi2mjYcPoB05UHW0ejuZFSbvG2Nij34gj-8jXG4QhHWcFl-E52FZZg1XQqyQj8n8n-mIkNZ8WoorcecLBI9taVVgAzpqJpYqgRZqMpqrW9DlWbWvydvcaoVv66xEfeeyPly0TWP_F5SGK5qQ/s320/IMG_5867.jpeg" width="243" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nearly back out</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Once again, we had a fantastic week despite the rain which we mostly managed to avoid. Matlock is a little further south than we've normally been, but to be honest, nowhere's that far as to be unmanageable. Derwent Dam for instance was about a 45 minute drive. </div><div>I love the Peak District. So many interesting places and superb walking to be had. If you haven't been, you should go. If you have, then you'll know...</div><div><br /></div><div>We're back to Devon next year though, at a spot near Bideford, so that'll be a nice change.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><br /></div>Twitter: @Statto1927 <br /><div>Threads/Instagram: simon_hiscocks</div><div>Mastodon: @simonhiscocks@toot.wales </div><div>Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/people/simon_hiscocks/ </div></div></div>Stattohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05101176230353582280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372129.post-69054547024385333362023-12-18T11:38:00.010+00:002023-12-18T13:46:57.663+00:00Mosquito by Rowland White: Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWnotSGkDwb2Avfcpeot1y2Tt4dmXXabuDIlZ3cX3BZoEe-O4k2bec3jVhlUJR2JW8DmCD6nf9CUxMIL5nX2TTKNlgPKfz-YEjCwzml-ATj36pk63wJU-dY2RVfCZ-MmgtWhxzJKHCS7hfy8UMwXAqeJ7S58N6lKyNeFEd33c1yEgptxDGmA/s3696/IMG_6121.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3696" data-original-width="2591" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWnotSGkDwb2Avfcpeot1y2Tt4dmXXabuDIlZ3cX3BZoEe-O4k2bec3jVhlUJR2JW8DmCD6nf9CUxMIL5nX2TTKNlgPKfz-YEjCwzml-ATj36pk63wJU-dY2RVfCZ-MmgtWhxzJKHCS7hfy8UMwXAqeJ7S58N6lKyNeFEd33c1yEgptxDGmA/s320/IMG_6121.jpeg" width="224" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>I've just finished this book. I wanted to drop a note to the author, <a href="http://www.rowlandwhite.com/" target="_blank">Rowland White</a> who I follow on <a href="https://twitter.com/RowlandWhite" target="_blank">Twitter</a> (I still won't call it "X") to say how much I enjoyed it, but the character limit wouldn't let me do it justice. I've therefore written this review which I'll link in a Tweet to him.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've never written a review of a book before, so I guess that's a testament to how good I found this one!</div><div><br /></div><div>Firstly, some background. I started following Rowland when someone retweeted a post he'd written about writing this book. I have a passing interest in both aircraft and history, although admittedly this is VERY much from a layman's perspective. However, I followed Rowland's tweets to eventual publication, and asked for and got, this book for my birthday a month or so ago.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's probably, as far as my 64 year old mind can recall, one of the first historical books I've ever read (or rather started and finished). Often I find historical tomes a little hard going. Mosquito was anything but.</div><div><br /></div><div>I also have a soft spot for the <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjcvZ3j8JiDAxUf_rsIHcokBV0QFnoECBgQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FDe_Havilland_Mosquito&usg=AOvVaw2YWULGt3gjm_d3Pk-ZDBy8&opi=89978449" target="_blank">de Havilland Mosquito</a>. The very, very tenuous link for this comes from the fact that my late mum's cousin, actress <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiDgbv88JiDAxWbZ0EAHf_lBiEQFnoECCcQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FBarbara_Archer&usg=AOvVaw0pHdvFSQqJQqEQr4vyUXVb&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Barbara Archer</a> who we all knew as "Aunty Barbara" was in the 1964 film "<a href="https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjAyfPw8JiDAxVmgf0HHURFDugQFnoECC0QAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2F633_Squadron&usg=AOvVaw2qmra-jrNaOsh6DBG0XYTb&opi=89978449" target="_blank">633 Squadron</a>" about an attack on a WWII rocket fuel factory by the aforementioned (but fictional) squadron flying the Mosquito. She was the barmaid in the Black Swan pub where the fictional crew drank. I also built a 1:72 scale Airfix model of the Mosquito when I was a lad. I think also, the fact that it was an aircraft built of wood, when (virtually) every other plane of its era was metal, gave it an intriguing status.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, to the book. </div><div><br /></div><div>I expected this to be a book solely about the aircraft and its role, and specifically when used on attacks on <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiVyviT8ZiDAxWlh_0HHaRkAeoQFnoECBkQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.britannica.com%2Ftopic%2FGestapo&usg=AOvVaw2nMmOXOxbN74-uLvhqq2dz&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Gestapo</a> HQ's in Denmark. Whilst the book built up to this, and particularly the climactic attack <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwi2zuei8ZiDAxW2lf0HHZyAAgMQFnoECBkQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FOperation_Carthage&usg=AOvVaw1JRhUBFQerj4ujLByz34sr&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Operation Carthage</a> on the Shellhus in Copenhagen, the building being used at Gestapo HQ, and with prisoners there as a human shield, the book is far more involved than just telling the story of the aircraft.</div><div><br /></div><div>Broadly, it covers the war in Denmark, and the role of the <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiSuPvA8ZiDAxVBhP0HHYVQAcMQFnoECBgQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FSpecial_Operations_Executive&usg=AOvVaw0FJlMumZysL2yfdh-He_Kq&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Special Operations Executive</a> (SOE) and the role of it's Denmark section, the spies involved and the resistance in fighting the Nazi regime. This was made all the more problematic because Denmark had been invaded by Germany, but then set out as a protectorate. In effect, Denmark was being "protected" by Germany, and therefore was not an "ally". Obviously, that's not how the majority of Danes saw it though.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Mosquito played a huge part in the war against Germany. Not only on its attacks on German military targets, but ferrying personnel and equipment to and from Denmark and neutral Sweden in order for the SOE members and Danish resistance to carry out their work.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are too many people in the book to remember and reference here, but two stand outs from the RAF's point of view were <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjt0pDm8ZiDAxXhQEEAHXo-AVsQFnoECCwQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FBasil_Embry&usg=AOvVaw0Z_YuuRqfbLQGVIw1T_j4B&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Basil Embry</a> who's flying and leadership of the Mosquito (and other) squadrons throughout was incredible, and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Sismore" target="_blank">Ted Sismore</a>, an exceptional and very young navigator - indeed most of the flying crew were frighteningly young.</div><div><br /></div><div>What makes this book so readable is the detail and research that Rowland White has gone into. You really get a sense during the flight operations of what it must have been like to fly those ops - and mostly it was scary and frightening. The bravery, composure and skills of pilots, navigators can only be imagined, flying sometimes twice a night and on daylight raids against relentless flak and the risk of interception by enemy fighters. Sadly there were all too many losses of both aircraft and crew, although it's pointed out in the epilogue that the "Mossie" had one of the best rations of ops to losses of all aircraft in the war.</div><div><br /></div><div>The other "act' to this book, is the outstanding bravery of those members of the Danish population who were recruited and trained by SOE then parachuted back into Denmark to co-ordinate the resistance, undertake sabotage and report back. These were ordinary members of the public. I think our view of spies/saboteurs is so easily influenced by television and film, but this book really brings home the challenges, constant threat of nature, torture and death that members of the SOE/resistance, and indeed our armed forces faced during the conflict. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sadly, there are also the civilian casualties to record. In conflict, as we know all too well in current events around the world, civilians die and that's terrible. This book's climatic operation against the Gestapo HQ in Copenhagen, also bore a terrible civilian loss, as one of the Mosquitos crashed near a school and the ensuing fire and smoke was mistaken by following aircraft as the primary target. Many children and adults lost their lives in the resulting bombing. Those risks were known, as was the fact that the actual target had many members of the resistance and SOE spies in captivity on it's top floor, meaning the mission had condemned them to almost certain death. In the event, some managed to escape the bombing, but the horror of it is well captured in the book. But it must also be remembered the torment that the Danish SOE chief had whilst deciding whether to go ahead with the mission knowing that both SOE/resistance colleagues were being held in the target, and that the target was smack bang in the middle of a residential area in Copenhagen. No one would want to be put in that position. </div><div><br /></div><div>Soon after the raid the Germans surrendered. The efforts of the Danish resistance, the SOE and the RAF (amongst many others) came at a terrible price, but by defeating Germany, there was at least the chance to rebuild.</div><div><br /></div><div>For myself one of the most harrowing passages of the book, is not about the the raids, or the Mosquito, or the SOE or resistance, but a statement from Herr <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwid4-uK8piDAxV48rsIHTIDDGEQFnoECC0QAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FRichard_Walther_Darr%25C3%25A9&usg=AOvVaw3Rypp3oz3y1dr5csqz6CCv&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Walter Darré</a> a once influential Nazi theoretician. I hope Rowland will forgive me for putting this down verbatim here, because it reminds us all, what the Allies were fighting against, and for:</div><div><br /></div><blockquote><div><i>As soon as we beat England we shall make an end of you Englishmen once and for all. Able-bodied men and women will be exported as slaves to the Continent. The old and weak will be exterminated. All men remaining in Britain as slaves will be sterilized; a million or two of the young women the Nordic type will be segregated in a number of stud farms where, with the assistance of picked German sires, during a period of 10 or 12 years, they will produce annually a series of Nordic infants to be brought up in every way as Germans. These infants will form the future population of Britain. They will be partially educated in Germany. Only those who satisfy the Nazi's requirements will be allowed to return to Britain and take up permanent residence. The rest will be sterilized and sent to join slave gangs in Germany. Thus in a generation or two, the British will disappear.</i></div></blockquote><div>And so in summary, I found this a fascinating book on a number of levels. Learning more about the fabulous Mosquito and the men who flew it. The SOE, which I knew of, but little about. The Germans and their approach to administering Denmark and fighting the resistance. The Resistance, and how compartmentalised it was. The civilians and all they did to help where they could.</div><div><br /></div><div>But mostly, the brutality and horrors of war, and the bravery of all those involved in fighting and eventually defeating the Nazi threat.</div><div><br /></div><div>Highly recommended.</div><div><br /></div>Twitter: @Statto1927 <div>Threads: simon_hiscocks</div><div>Instagram: simon_hiscocks<br /><div>Mastodon: @simonhiscocks@toot.wales </div><div>Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/people/simon_hiscocks/ </div><div><br /></div></div>Stattohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05101176230353582280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372129.post-69936448925087679072023-10-14T19:34:00.006+01:002023-10-14T19:34:48.193+01:00Wilburys at the Memo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-420T3XhFvWOkM29LQE83a8vDHcjD7_LBc1uGojEv81tIqymfcdiLiVbm_f08Q3ZhcxLJSEK7S0u8_-f5lgKjgIrqauKax6M48SLVVAg8fxdCvtp3iFVmSt4H1VWkPmnuBIdMJLPWi3uDS6idu38D6l9cEvMu0BX0LJuoF-51jd-OVR5Gmw/s1200/379352839_917097469939129_3262128595733312325_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-420T3XhFvWOkM29LQE83a8vDHcjD7_LBc1uGojEv81tIqymfcdiLiVbm_f08Q3ZhcxLJSEK7S0u8_-f5lgKjgIrqauKax6M48SLVVAg8fxdCvtp3iFVmSt4H1VWkPmnuBIdMJLPWi3uDS6idu38D6l9cEvMu0BX0LJuoF-51jd-OVR5Gmw/s320/379352839_917097469939129_3262128595733312325_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Last night Mrs H and I went to the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjl5pbGk_aBAxUNVUEAHT5VDfoQFnoECA8QAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fmemoartscentre.co.uk%2F&usg=AOvVaw1kwPTncd178LzipOi-bo5R&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Barry Memo</a> - the local theatre/arts venue to see the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RoyOrbisonAndTheTravelingWilburysTributeShow" target="_blank">Paul Hopkins' Roy Orbison and the Traveling Wilburys Experience</a> (Facebook link) a tribute act to the fabulous <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjliaSzk_aBAxWxV0EAHWfXCvsQFnoECFAQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.travelingwilburys.com%2F&usg=AOvVaw2HiCfgI1kDmr24o99Yw9Kb&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Traveling Wilburys</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>Barry Memo is a bit dated inside, but still a worthy local community arts and theatre venue, and regularly hosts live music, films and theatre. An easy place to listen to live music, there's a handy bar and no restriction on taking your drinks into the theatre</div><div><br /></div><div>The original Wilburys - George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan and Roy Orbison were all represented by lookalike accomplished musicians who are now into their 7th year as this tribute experience. Not forgetting the less well known Jim Keltner on drums. The musicians are drawn from over the UK and had travelled down for the gig - I'm not sure how often they get to rehearse together, but they were very well drilled.</div><div><br /></div><div>A mixture of original Wilbury tracks and individual performer songs (Blowin in the Wind for example by the Dylan member, Please Please Me from "George Harrison" and Mr Blue Sky from "Jeff Lynne" to name a few) were all very well received by the audience of mostly people the upper side of 50. Having said that, the Wilburys were formed in 1988, so 35 years ago when we were all a lot younger!!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>There wasn't a massive audience, but the band were clearly delighted to be playing live music to appreciative ears - the photo below isn't a good one of the band (taken by their stage manager!) but shows the audience numbers and everyone enjoyed the show. A signed Fender Squier guitar was also raffled - sadly I didn't win.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLIyotuuthv0YoGn7gM6WLT3BFuBQx_qDcNQerU31RgO5L2kBinKTmKu1Aci7Ku9TyOI2irWr5zIJhdlcydf-OCf2jOLTd2E5zWxTtUGpbQ_EQ4BBtvmtzZDHt_Yl0XrSppGDTRZsCgOrLSUpZbJJU6se3AAHjCPLcrWtwJZxuBUVSZzpJfw/s2048/387859647_726634866171567_6511923515008804994_n-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1178" data-original-width="2048" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLIyotuuthv0YoGn7gM6WLT3BFuBQx_qDcNQerU31RgO5L2kBinKTmKu1Aci7Ku9TyOI2irWr5zIJhdlcydf-OCf2jOLTd2E5zWxTtUGpbQ_EQ4BBtvmtzZDHt_Yl0XrSppGDTRZsCgOrLSUpZbJJU6se3AAHjCPLcrWtwJZxuBUVSZzpJfw/s320/387859647_726634866171567_6511923515008804994_n-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last night's show</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>All in all we had a very enjoyable evening - I'd recommend going to see them if you get a chance.<br /><div><br /></div>Twitter: @Statto1927 <div>Mastodon: @simonhiscocks@toot.wales </div><div>Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/people/simon_hiscocks/ </div><div>Instagram/Threads: simon_hiscocks
</div>Stattohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05101176230353582280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372129.post-88307466710211593412023-10-13T12:11:00.000+01:002023-10-13T12:11:15.670+01:00De-cluttering is hard work, but good for the soul<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvI7nl7k5-etMTSvH603n3nEFaJaIOsDtCUR-b1_qCKHa0IkQix89hcONqEpcjUFhsHFhF5AdMRBeFugVy8-JOZnfyg1j5Mg_N__09gAyG5rbi_AEuLV1KyfQwESCvY_r4yzQQdpt5rBwK11HxkeIPTN8O4G4qLjlbmMh2NyWkybThGhCpaw/s1400/1*AMEEMOlaszKCsjQJ-qG9Ww.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1400" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvI7nl7k5-etMTSvH603n3nEFaJaIOsDtCUR-b1_qCKHa0IkQix89hcONqEpcjUFhsHFhF5AdMRBeFugVy8-JOZnfyg1j5Mg_N__09gAyG5rbi_AEuLV1KyfQwESCvY_r4yzQQdpt5rBwK11HxkeIPTN8O4G4qLjlbmMh2NyWkybThGhCpaw/s320/1*AMEEMOlaszKCsjQJ-qG9Ww.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>It's amazing, or perhaps not, the amount of "stuff" you collect over the course of a lifetime. We've got a large loft full of "stuff", a garage I've never ever been able to get my car in, a 5 bedroom house that has "stuff" everywhere (PS the photo above is not our clutter!)</div><div><br /></div><div>Some of this "stuff" is precious (in personal terms rather than monetary value). Books, cuddly toys and other bits and pieces from the kid's early years for instance. Some is just hanging around because it might be needed or required for something down the line, and a lot is just there because we can't be arsed to get rid of it.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm one of the world's worst procrastinators when it comes to de-cluttering. I think it's such a good idea, but I struggle to put it in to practice. Mrs H is even worse. She can always find a reason not to throw or give something away, in a sort of "Ah, that's cute/useful, we can't throw that away" manner on something we haven't even seen let alone used in many a long year.</div><div><br /></div><div>This week I've been in the garage trying to sort through stuff that fits into the above categories. I subscribe to a local "Re-use" page on Facebook - I'd much rather give stuff away to someone who wants/needs it, that try and flog it on eBay or take it to the local tip, and I listed a few things. Mrs H immediately convinced me to take two things off that list!</div><div><br /></div><div>A couple of others were snapped up straight away and have now been collected, some things are still available. </div><div><br /></div><div>I must admit it does feel good for the soul getting rid of stuff we no longer need, and especially when it's given free gratis to someone who really wants it. I've got a long, long way to go though before I get anywhere near the <a href="https://konmari.com" target="_blank">Marie Kondo</a> level of decluttering.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Twitter: @Statto1927 <div>Mastodon: @simonhiscocks@toot.wales </div><div>Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/people/simon_hiscocks/ </div><div>Instagram/Threads: simon_hiscocks
</div>Stattohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05101176230353582280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372129.post-27925258677475911382023-10-09T15:19:00.005+01:002023-10-09T17:01:08.962+01:00FairFX - poor customer service<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8RVtVJ3iinbJ9cD4_b0mbttxxL9UcCENqJgunbhYqbiVMQ9OLFSHBh2q-pXyT76f_dqHzyeXvLtoLaBqoZBYU0Ir8guQnX12BRAKt_3ckzXt00CmauyTkYqTgN0WLGrnsxCeDwyuJgp4ANIoPasoZ7HEKU4rNd7MlG8Cew-gWLmfKuDdeTg/s301/FairFX.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="167" data-original-width="301" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8RVtVJ3iinbJ9cD4_b0mbttxxL9UcCENqJgunbhYqbiVMQ9OLFSHBh2q-pXyT76f_dqHzyeXvLtoLaBqoZBYU0Ir8guQnX12BRAKt_3ckzXt00CmauyTkYqTgN0WLGrnsxCeDwyuJgp4ANIoPasoZ7HEKU4rNd7MlG8Cew-gWLmfKuDdeTg/s1600/FairFX.png" style="height: auto; max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; width: auto;" width="301" /></a></div><div>I haven't had a customer service rant for almost two months. That's good going for me. Anyway you'll be glad to hear I can now resolve that.</div><div><br /></div><div>Some business are good at customer service, and some, well aren't.......</div><div><br /></div><div>For many years I have had a <a href="https://www.fairfx.com" target="_blank">FairFX</a> multi-currency card. It's the sort of card you can pre-load with different currencies and use when out and about in different countries like a debit card to save you carrying cash. I first got it way backk in the noughties when we went to Florida (Disneyland). In those days you had one card for each currency (so one for dollars, one for euros etc). A few years ago they sensibly merged it so you only had one card to carry.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, my card was expiring a month ago and I got an email with a link to "upgrade" and order a new card which I duly followed. However, fool that I am, when I was asked to enter my phone number so I can use two factor authentication (recommended by the way for extra security), I inadvertently mistyped my phone number. Then when I went to log in, I got a a message saying "enter the code we've sent you" only of course I hadn't received it because the number I'd typed was wrong (this despite the fact they had my correct phone number on account anyway).</div><div><br /></div><div>Cue attempts to contact someone to put it right. The options on their website appeared to be either a live chat or emailing support. I tried live chat. It was more dead than alive. Eventually I connected and after the normal to-ing and fro-ing was asked to long in to continue the chat. </div><div><br /></div><div>Errr...I can't log in that's why I'm contacting you. </div><div><br /></div><div>Somewhat frustrated, I was then directed to the email support link. So I sent an email off. Two days later no response. So I sent another one. No response, I was then away for five days. Nothing in my in box on return. Sent another slightly more feisty email. No response.</div><div><br /></div><div>I found a link for complaints which include (you've guessed it) directions for Live Chat or email support! However, there was also a phone number. I rang it and got a (badly) automated voice message advising to leave a message and email address and they would get in touch within three business days. </div><div><br /></div><div>Today I returned to live chat, which was slightly more alert, but not much so. Outlining my problem I was asked if I'd like a call back. Yes please I said. Oddly given everything that had gone before, I got a call back almost immediately. A pleasant young man called Ryan took me through security questions, and then confirmed he could see the phone number typo and changed it for me. Whilst still on the phone I successfully logged in. Whilst I whooped with joy, he asked me if there was anything else he could help me with, and that's where I made my next mistake.</div><div><br /></div><div>My email address for that account was slightly different to my normal one, and I asked for hime to amend it. He told me he'd done it, and I could see the change when I refreshed the page in my account. All good, I thanked him and I rang off.</div><div><br /></div><div>To check everything was Ok I logged out and tried to log back in. All went swimmingly until I got a message saying you can't log in because you haven't verified your email address from the link in the email we've sent you.</div><div><br /></div><div>*checks inbox*</div><div>No email</div><div><br /></div><div>*checks junk mail*</div><div>No email</div><div><br /></div><div>*Waited 5, 10, 15, 30 minutes*</div><div>No email</div><div><br /></div><div>Back to square one with a different issue. </div><div><br /></div><div>Apparently the "upgrade" process FairFX are going through with new cards has made them very busy. But that's no excuse for tardy live chat, not responding to emails, a crappy telephone system and a system that's supposed to send you a verification email link and doesn't. especially when it's got money (albeit not a lot at the moment) belonging to me.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm currently closing in on one hour's wait for a response to my current live chat query....</div><div><br /></div><div>They need to look at their customer service. it's (lack of) support like this that puts people off companies and businesses. Good customer service makes such a difference.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>UPDATE</b></div><div>90 minutes after I logged onto live chat, I got a response. The agent fixed my issue (without needing to send me a verification email link). Also turns out I was using an old version of the app on my iPhone and iPad which didn’t help. Finally seems all sorted.</div><div><br /></div>Twitter: @Statto1927 <div>Mastodon: @simonhiscocks@toot.wales </div><div>Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/people/simon_hiscocks/ </div><div>Instagram: simon_hiscocks
</div>Stattohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05101176230353582280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372129.post-81523295099698339972023-09-23T20:20:00.001+01:002023-09-23T20:20:07.555+01:00Mediterranean Cruise Part 5: Naples, Pisa and Departures<div>Waking up after our sea day, we opened the blinds to find ourselves docked in Naples, along with three other cruise ships. Our plan for the day was to get off the ship and just have a wander, as most of the excursions were to Sorrento (we've been there a couple of times) Capri, Pompeii and Herculaneum, all of which we've "done" but we've never really seen any of Naples. The first part of our wander was pretty disappointing. Main roads, the <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjDgZjGtcGBAxXiWUEAHR_wCP0QFnoECA8QAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fit.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FPiazza_del_Plebiscito&usg=AOvVaw0I8qjMqViTvhjg3atWl9a2&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Piazza del Plebiscito</a> that is on all the tourist guides but which was largely out of bounds as it was being set up for a 3 night concert, and the <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwih17nStcGBAxWQgVwKHXchBaQQFnoECA0QAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FGalleria_Umberto_I&usg=AOvVaw2LgWGO0DjsgiQrvqTcokFL&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Galleria Umberto I</a>, an architecturally impressive but retail disappointing "mall". </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfp6stW10X93SFYl6z7xGeIFbd1LNtHTDQZ2XbNmjfsaLSDEv9w-QM0w1il7ge_SvvsO1G8qEqQq6CYOz4Bb9lVmEKqDVeEHjQsE9N2RJatwLvoct1GzIyCoV4bITOZ-I1LAd6Ylqmzlr9VYyl0mnddOd3lnbXWXCXPOEvBY2hMVkEEV3OA/s4032/IMG_5170.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfp6stW10X93SFYl6z7xGeIFbd1LNtHTDQZ2XbNmjfsaLSDEv9w-QM0w1il7ge_SvvsO1G8qEqQq6CYOz4Bb9lVmEKqDVeEHjQsE9N2RJatwLvoct1GzIyCoV4bITOZ-I1LAd6Ylqmzlr9VYyl0mnddOd3lnbXWXCXPOEvBY2hMVkEEV3OA/s320/IMG_5170.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Galleria Umberto I<br />Impressive building, but a bit scabby</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>We moved to Via Toledo which is the main shopping drag in Naples. It was a Saturday and the street was heaving, but interesting nonetheless with loads of side streets, cafes, shops, locals, but somewhere to keep you wits about you. We stopped towards the end for a coffee in a very low key street side cafe. The first thing they put on the table was an ashtray (neither of us smoke)! The coffee was great though.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpBoSK6C9LfxY4TGggdJVsuqVb2rPC1E9wS7CZc_VGqHk500uhPJg4vdXaSbkkDpBEs8N7RVCwHVFuKd1c5kWkQTtGlx3s9T142AVlwmR9zPzYCtjky0cpezJFKu-DUH2HjXKT0AR2r-jy6ahtJ1CtpJVEHO_W5SojglwdQ7EZd_0Wfu50xA/s4032/IMG_5177.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpBoSK6C9LfxY4TGggdJVsuqVb2rPC1E9wS7CZc_VGqHk500uhPJg4vdXaSbkkDpBEs8N7RVCwHVFuKd1c5kWkQTtGlx3s9T142AVlwmR9zPzYCtjky0cpezJFKu-DUH2HjXKT0AR2r-jy6ahtJ1CtpJVEHO_W5SojglwdQ7EZd_0Wfu50xA/s320/IMG_5177.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was a wedding going on in the church with the green roof!</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>We then moved into the Spanish Quarter down side streets mainly filled with tourist tat shop and FC Napoli flags, with flags, pictures, miniatures and everything else you can think of with the footballer Maradonna plastered everywhere (he played for Napoli).<div><br /></div><div>We went in a couple of churches, including one where there was a wedding in full swing, oblivious to the tourists flocking in and out of the church.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfBr2gUo-NS1SxiRTAXZ1USvAJ8WQ8lEv-PwyanTXUWLZxhKmJbywHskDqroEEbEMxA9_eUVKdShDDP5qnvBlCXaKS1aPOUkBCQHerHd7E4XGCf3xhUAIEBpesrx_Y-PHIkS4ubgEV9UO5E1hgHQHfLOsb7SMKqI7Y7wgJi_1DZ69BYCmxPw/s4032/IMG_5186.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfBr2gUo-NS1SxiRTAXZ1USvAJ8WQ8lEv-PwyanTXUWLZxhKmJbywHskDqroEEbEMxA9_eUVKdShDDP5qnvBlCXaKS1aPOUkBCQHerHd7E4XGCf3xhUAIEBpesrx_Y-PHIkS4ubgEV9UO5E1hgHQHfLOsb7SMKqI7Y7wgJi_1DZ69BYCmxPw/s320/IMG_5186.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical Napoli street with Napoli and Maradonna flags everywhere</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>After about three hours, we'd had enough and returned to the relative calm of the ship, for a chilled afternoon before the usual evening routine kicked in. Whilst we enjoyed the vibe of the narrow side streets, I think our collective view of the bit of Naples that we saw was "it's scabby"!</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-mQ9nGnUoF-xQKkMmYrLz_KpcOv9XT6oho7XgsQIfatqjcKqxIrJrZknWf5qJjW3mnZRnAYzv0oDWBrCMY9z9zkCytdlGSCi_hCKKBDM6P63H2pYRwksxAMbbPXMDlPT65YSoE3v8Ljwh3tgPOK9Begbswm8UC3KB4yTBeesel71krcI4Q/s4032/IMG_5216.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-mQ9nGnUoF-xQKkMmYrLz_KpcOv9XT6oho7XgsQIfatqjcKqxIrJrZknWf5qJjW3mnZRnAYzv0oDWBrCMY9z9zkCytdlGSCi_hCKKBDM6P63H2pYRwksxAMbbPXMDlPT65YSoE3v8Ljwh3tgPOK9Begbswm8UC3KB4yTBeesel71krcI4Q/s320/IMG_5216.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silent Disco in the Main Plaza</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>After dinner and the obligatory show we stopped in the main ship Plaza by the martini bar where a silent disco was in full swing, although with everyone belting out the songs they were hearing in their headphones, it wasn't very silent!</div><div><br /></div><div>Tomorrow beckons, and out last stop of the trip, Livorno.</div><div><br /></div><div>As we woke we were pulling into the port of Livorno. Although got old part of the town is supposed to be quite pretty, it's not that big, although it's a massive shipping port. The main purpose of the stop was that it's the closest port to <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwib6rbptcGBAxXjWkEAHefDABUQFnoECBAQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FPisa&usg=AOvVaw1WgkSlOhOohe-hUiTqhPLL&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Pisa</a> and Florence, and our excursion for the day was a trip to Pisa</div><div><br /></div><div>It was about a 40 minute bus ride to Pisa. Our excursion was "Pisa by Trolley". This trend out to be one of those tractor pulled "land trains"! But first we had about an hour to ourselves for the main attraction, the leaning tower of Pisa.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDzzQYGOz8042SAYrbLZldA2Rg1EYWVaBglB4U-ZK0h6Vhx6U94o6qBcxAalXRB0ZAIwGY0uf9_yqlTIVEM8VUTe4dqN-lFJeph22QaGituQYs_z_EBH5w_M9o8YyrcNUFhQGBjCxf0NQB-zuz_uVJpzimXDqGBzU0X6_58KfkmyRHo-_zYw/s4032/IMG_5238.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDzzQYGOz8042SAYrbLZldA2Rg1EYWVaBglB4U-ZK0h6Vhx6U94o6qBcxAalXRB0ZAIwGY0uf9_yqlTIVEM8VUTe4dqN-lFJeph22QaGituQYs_z_EBH5w_M9o8YyrcNUFhQGBjCxf0NQB-zuz_uVJpzimXDqGBzU0X6_58KfkmyRHo-_zYw/s320/IMG_5238.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The leaning tower of Pisa</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>It's a fabulously impressive building (for a bell tower). We didn't have enough time to get tickets to climb up in (20 Euros), but took the obligatory photo of trying to hold it up as were the zillion other tourists in the square. Similarly the huge cathedral adjacent to the tower had a long queue so we didn't make it in there either.</div><div><br /></div><div>The photo below shows the Baptistry next to the Cathedral, allegedly the biggest baptistry there is - a massive building just to baptise people!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZK3IZ0K-7Eu2yNxkCyGmsj5x_cbk22TcjrhJcT_fd0e6HuDVPuiZBH35VvR8J0lFfeWvEsSl1rm6l1mYSLZ3aU5t7BxnAzmkvqLoBrt2ehx_iFt-BcbbJ3PfH5V8F-uqCjnTKBZ_xEHl59OtaCvShWrphWUMoZHATgBis9arHle6RaA0gw/s3774/IMG_5240.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3774" data-original-width="2831" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqZK3IZ0K-7Eu2yNxkCyGmsj5x_cbk22TcjrhJcT_fd0e6HuDVPuiZBH35VvR8J0lFfeWvEsSl1rm6l1mYSLZ3aU5t7BxnAzmkvqLoBrt2ehx_iFt-BcbbJ3PfH5V8F-uqCjnTKBZ_xEHl59OtaCvShWrphWUMoZHATgBis9arHle6RaA0gw/s320/IMG_5240.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>After our time was up we boarded the "trolley" for our tour of Pisa, which was pretty underwhelming I'd say. Several people had said the only thing worth seeing in Pisa is the tower, cathedral and baptistry, and whilst that may be a bit harsh, I'd opine that a land train really isn't the best way to see the city.</div><div><br /></div><div>Back on board the ship it was time to think about packing and our departure the following morning, but before then it was one last dinner, show and nightcap.</div><div><br /></div><div>We'd booked a coach transfer to the airport direct with Celebrity - it seemed the sensible option, and we were off the ship just after 9am, and at the airport by not long after 10.30. Unfortunately our flight wasn't scheduled until almost 4pm, so we had some time to kill, so found somewhere to sit for a coffee and a bite to eat.</div><div><br /></div><div>We met up with my golf buddy and his party in the airport, where they'd found their BA flight to Heathrow cancelled! They'd been told they'd be taken to a hotel overnight, then get a flight to Madrid at 6am the following morning before catching a second flight to Heathrow.</div><div><br /></div><div>As it tuned out, our easyJet flight to Bristol was delayed by 90 minutes as well, but at least it went that night. Apparently it was all due to air traffic control issues.</div><div><br /></div><div>We were through our front door by 9.30pm after another long day, but with some fabulous memories from a wonderful trip.</div><div><br /></div><div>A few thoughts from our cruise:</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Good things</b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The crew. To a man and woman, they were superb. Friendly, helpful always smiling and nothing was ever too much trouble. We paid for gratuities up front, and believe me, the crew are worth it. We gave an extra tip to out stateroom attendant Putu, who was absolutely bloody brilliant.</li><li>The quality of the food. Whilst I heard some moans over our 10 nights (there's always one or two people who are never satisfied) the choice and quality of what we ate was superb. There were plenty of options for drinks too, and plenty of different venues on board to try them in</li><li>Our meal in the exclusive "Le Voyage" was excellent</li><li>A special shout out to the Cruise Director Alejandro Tortorelli, who was so funny and made us laugh every time he was on stage, or giving a talk or on screen on the videos and live streams he did</li></ul><div><b>I was underwhelmed by</b></div></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Having to pay an additional 20% gratuity charge whoever I got a drink about the "Classic" beverage tier having already paid for gratuities up front</li><li>Having to pay $5 for a packet of crisps from your stateroom mini-bar. It just seems bizarre to do that when you can walk into a restaurant and stuff your face any time of the day</li><li>Classic drinks package topping out at $10 per serving with (typically) a 330ml bottle of beer at $9 and a box standard wine at $10. To up to the "Premium" package would cost an extra $80 per person per day and everyone in the stateroom has to have the same package. I might get through some premium spirits (but whether an <b>extra</b> $80 worth a day is doubtful), but Mrs H is not a big drinker. Still, they have you by the short and curlies.</li><li>Same with Wi-Fi. We got basic Wi-Fi in our base cost, but that's so limited you can't send or receive images etc so I paid an extra $96 for the 10 night cruise for the Premium package (for <b>ONE</b> device only. I tested the speed of this Premium service, and the best I could muster at any time was 4.6MBps. That's black to dial up speeds, so they must be raking in the profit on that</li><li>Not having a "proper" balcony. That's our own fault. Should have check the various room types when booking</li><li>Having electronic top to bottom blinds instead of curtains in our stateroom. Useless if you just want a quick peek - you have to open the blinds which are slow and noisier than curtains</li></ul><div>Don't forget you can see all our <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/simon_hiscocks/albums" target="_blank">trip photos here</a> </div></div><div><br /></div>Twitter: @Statto1927 <div>Mastodon: @simonhiscocks@toot.wales </div><div>Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/people/simon_hiscocks/ </div><div>Instagram: simon_hiscocks
</div></div>Stattohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05101176230353582280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372129.post-71571926665540513742023-09-22T15:56:00.004+01:002023-09-23T19:28:16.387+01:00Mediterranean Cruise - Part 4: Kotor and Taormina<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5TBqWaGF-s7mnItPQyEWP2r5RZAmoC2TTpV1KwmXdH-LpYZfiNyQV_YXBVX-6ko7vn7ICGNdLNZbVv1V7KmdznMMVtoJG3A0kYkwGApkXVuZ-z4gxbx1WPeW57qj6qabgoa2fEdCSePUN8fJuzlJFXJCyQR-kFhw7Xbvpw_8rpMVpEREpw/s4032/IMG_4999.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha5TBqWaGF-s7mnItPQyEWP2r5RZAmoC2TTpV1KwmXdH-LpYZfiNyQV_YXBVX-6ko7vn7ICGNdLNZbVv1V7KmdznMMVtoJG3A0kYkwGApkXVuZ-z4gxbx1WPeW57qj6qabgoa2fEdCSePUN8fJuzlJFXJCyQR-kFhw7Xbvpw_8rpMVpEREpw/s320/IMG_4999.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kotor from the cliff path<br />Our ship is the little white dot in the far distance!</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>From Dubrovnik, it's a relatively short hop to Kotor in Montenegro, so we left Dubrovnik late (10pm) and were due to arrive in Kotor early (around 6am). Kotor is set quite a way inland from open sea through a series of fjord like waters, and many people (including me) were up early to see us navigate through, including a couple of very narrow stretches. As the dock is relatively small, and there was already another cruise ship in, we had to anchor and use tenders to get in to Kotor - we actually anchored a good mile or so from the mail dock, but as usual the transition was easy and well organised.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-hnyCCt7ejsbBq5W1G5KC3uXz0_Zj6P4PQUUG3Vlx7DWH4iyyQIaGmHZ54G6qUf1pwxzSDXYKoSt1yibjL4wHw4eQJLjChrimNiAVBgZdpdc2IlsMmY-Npd3aOBBOiSWrtUvBtjPCsglbfit8q4Hq1sgmKYTBtyAfV-11RnD63jFczPagAg/s4032/IMG_4963.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-hnyCCt7ejsbBq5W1G5KC3uXz0_Zj6P4PQUUG3Vlx7DWH4iyyQIaGmHZ54G6qUf1pwxzSDXYKoSt1yibjL4wHw4eQJLjChrimNiAVBgZdpdc2IlsMmY-Npd3aOBBOiSWrtUvBtjPCsglbfit8q4Hq1sgmKYTBtyAfV-11RnD63jFczPagAg/s320/IMG_4963.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back towards our ship just peeking our over that green penninsula</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9zEGUW37NhzrirCtaFnar9DT2qPoFxCo6AubBMK34CxJMI-4JAZuXK54-pjJxzBTGRlOzRhtloQZitJWk1ct-TvHvBakaD8Fdr69gJmDfuEgQK5Ae3WuneLaV32wCWkuWI1MCWmOlXvxCjv7WC-GNeo6CpGGVkciUSEVePQVVDtQxp895g/s4032/IMG_4964.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9zEGUW37NhzrirCtaFnar9DT2qPoFxCo6AubBMK34CxJMI-4JAZuXK54-pjJxzBTGRlOzRhtloQZitJWk1ct-TvHvBakaD8Fdr69gJmDfuEgQK5Ae3WuneLaV32wCWkuWI1MCWmOlXvxCjv7WC-GNeo6CpGGVkciUSEVePQVVDtQxp895g/s320/IMG_4964.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How's you language skills?</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Today we were on a relatively short, two hour walking tour around the old city. In many ways Kotor is much like Dubrovnik, but smaller, and much more intimate. But it is just as crowded! Our local guide Milos was (as all our guides on the tours were) excellent, knowledgable and humorous. There are just three gates to the old City, and it's easy enough to walk round. As with all these places, there were several churches, lots of tourists shops, cafes and restaurants keeping the tourists happy. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUaWFvAdtkjppx0ADwjovppk7Ehk5OIGhkvBxNVmmxu1RXCc3At6zPfo5YeIsOjPTUFB1Ck3VvDIGv9iyqswWW_otVgK5v-SPfXry2_VG0dKfzBAME_8NZ0ugOWxI1uGoo2naHM6ecQL0kQm2XBvlIbePd7RANtMctyRv-SmzPoAhblOVZjg/s2000/DSC03452.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUaWFvAdtkjppx0ADwjovppk7Ehk5OIGhkvBxNVmmxu1RXCc3At6zPfo5YeIsOjPTUFB1Ck3VvDIGv9iyqswWW_otVgK5v-SPfXry2_VG0dKfzBAME_8NZ0ugOWxI1uGoo2naHM6ecQL0kQm2XBvlIbePd7RANtMctyRv-SmzPoAhblOVZjg/s320/DSC03452.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main gate to old Kotor</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLQrKNuZDg6phe-HtFZuNeuSubON_1wRZZbAJVBAj_mfjYZO_KY3z2YyRIb2K3fwcp0w7dzPQePNNn7uCMY3Mt8-etQOBpCMHQ5XElgsHLF4QENcM7kkBkhlTB9X0GNJZg7e1nVBPmjyB4i-ncXnz5Uv6RxvI0mBYyda-AVPbu8nj3VkS9A/s4032/IMG_4987.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLQrKNuZDg6phe-HtFZuNeuSubON_1wRZZbAJVBAj_mfjYZO_KY3z2YyRIb2K3fwcp0w7dzPQePNNn7uCMY3Mt8-etQOBpCMHQ5XElgsHLF4QENcM7kkBkhlTB9X0GNJZg7e1nVBPmjyB4i-ncXnz5Uv6RxvI0mBYyda-AVPbu8nj3VkS9A/s320/IMG_4987.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Church of St Nicholas</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>It was soon evident that the old city is home to a large number of cats. Unlike many places where there's a cat population that often look scrawny and malnourished, these cats were clearly well fed and in good health. Milos told us that cats were brought in during the plague years (bubonic not Covid!) to keep the rat population down, and did such a good job that the city now looks after them making sure they're fed and that if they need veterinary help they get it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Following our tour, we decided to make the climb up a steep and stony path for a more panoramic view of Kotor. This leads to a chapel where there's a viewpoint for the popular views you often see of Kotor. The path does go higher to an old fort, but that's about twice the distance, and you need to be fit - whilst the path does have steps in most places, they're narrow - generally wide enough for one, with the rest of the path rock or sometimes loose stone. (not it also costs eight euros per person to climb the path). You'll need sturdy shoes. A slow and steady 20-3- minutes later we'd reached the chapel.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-tKDCTzjtSvobA_wbQKUxL6S03eAWLay6Z6J2TY075ExedisxZ-sryw4Q_2d80vrcvv7oZYoq5axaiU801QtJSMf6UMP9jcm62MhZhUrBq7c6C3HEUOIkmqMF7TfPgmT-ouooW3CUUMQJHZmBGADgBMLQ0AKcN5ODoUdbDXBd01iVjok6A/s4032/IMG_4998.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-tKDCTzjtSvobA_wbQKUxL6S03eAWLay6Z6J2TY075ExedisxZ-sryw4Q_2d80vrcvv7oZYoq5axaiU801QtJSMf6UMP9jcm62MhZhUrBq7c6C3HEUOIkmqMF7TfPgmT-ouooW3CUUMQJHZmBGADgBMLQ0AKcN5ODoUdbDXBd01iVjok6A/s320/IMG_4998.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cat (one of many) in Kotor on the path up the cliff</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Ok4P_fJJCTpkxZNBUjdo0J-9LJublOeh67WoAuyPYyHekzW1x3_TcjkFD49sp-ZYDjPa_UnvYzcyRyd_KOWaBLkQun7EfxtlaiuQCGM5kTB_sZaWGrQXAmI-Mbo0HOWg6bosT74lP0-K6drc22EPYa8LTju5UpOOC2v0ONYqgRVdqfGZXQ/s10044/IMG_5002.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3812" data-original-width="10044" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Ok4P_fJJCTpkxZNBUjdo0J-9LJublOeh67WoAuyPYyHekzW1x3_TcjkFD49sp-ZYDjPa_UnvYzcyRyd_KOWaBLkQun7EfxtlaiuQCGM5kTB_sZaWGrQXAmI-Mbo0HOWg6bosT74lP0-K6drc22EPYa8LTju5UpOOC2v0ONYqgRVdqfGZXQ/s320/IMG_5002.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panorama of Kotor</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibgPRTkFtLBRIOjE3u3P2tGn8PGtzB2U2_wPY6pgar_kYD5vAUFn4SFkik9ZK7xUiVLcJFOWrWhlE6FUD2_j-nLTLqKqr8052O18zlDAuaep859EZUSrK5Pxy9L-q4XEKQ8CGeiIlJX3pGS0ERlWKzV6r0PGy__0pZmLC0E-_0otmMCusb0w/s4032/IMG_5016.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibgPRTkFtLBRIOjE3u3P2tGn8PGtzB2U2_wPY6pgar_kYD5vAUFn4SFkik9ZK7xUiVLcJFOWrWhlE6FUD2_j-nLTLqKqr8052O18zlDAuaep859EZUSrK5Pxy9L-q4XEKQ8CGeiIlJX3pGS0ERlWKzV6r0PGy__0pZmLC0E-_0otmMCusb0w/s320/IMG_5016.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They even have a cat shop<br />(not selling cats though!)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0cyrXgDE-Fq9OnrbAEjTpXurL-tLz4Qux-KY0nOLK7rIhYacM0FvHLZMChnGXIQI9IO1BwRe0MZ1HnN5738o639CSCBr4IBKXCOfnE7W-9w6Tz-TpwCTopG_Cy7QixPa9GbAe6m5nBR9I9W2tUeIonMIvY3QVnEyeB-VJz5cyHp2ka0dFeQ/s4032/IMG_5020.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0cyrXgDE-Fq9OnrbAEjTpXurL-tLz4Qux-KY0nOLK7rIhYacM0FvHLZMChnGXIQI9IO1BwRe0MZ1HnN5738o639CSCBr4IBKXCOfnE7W-9w6Tz-TpwCTopG_Cy7QixPa9GbAe6m5nBR9I9W2tUeIonMIvY3QVnEyeB-VJz5cyHp2ka0dFeQ/s320/IMG_5020.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A tender returning to the ship</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtMi6bVrGxmMQmhErjX1-4P50YXk7LceU3D8_m-STxnzVviXxRbcBmG2PbiLlcx6_ETnXOXSS8W5zpy6JwEFTszI_rSMuhdefQmFFN53pntrVN3NrFETkYHXwle5jbtSj4qZkB6mYxy0RwD3_RNFwpnBxiUzpCPRJcmRtANcIYysbOhpgMtw/s4032/IMG_5043.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtMi6bVrGxmMQmhErjX1-4P50YXk7LceU3D8_m-STxnzVviXxRbcBmG2PbiLlcx6_ETnXOXSS8W5zpy6JwEFTszI_rSMuhdefQmFFN53pntrVN3NrFETkYHXwle5jbtSj4qZkB6mYxy0RwD3_RNFwpnBxiUzpCPRJcmRtANcIYysbOhpgMtw/s320/IMG_5043.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small town near Kotor</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2EPd0wDNxs-xBddFvRFAfG8SmkqwqMqh82G3VrR1VnDn2Bwdkppy5hm7tLLYRmXg6UexlY_x50QG5HxdOCJ-u61465HPkONu14HLJKS7gjsoH-WssZJ-jwFYXw2ykAELvbh-59CNaDBl6mGi95xOPtc2bwIjORrV8V6PF5PdNuVrng8oG2Q/s2532/IMG_5045.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2532" data-original-width="1170" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2EPd0wDNxs-xBddFvRFAfG8SmkqwqMqh82G3VrR1VnDn2Bwdkppy5hm7tLLYRmXg6UexlY_x50QG5HxdOCJ-u61465HPkONu14HLJKS7gjsoH-WssZJ-jwFYXw2ykAELvbh-59CNaDBl6mGi95xOPtc2bwIjORrV8V6PF5PdNuVrng8oG2Q/s320/IMG_5045.png" width="148" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div>In the screenshot above, wer'e the rightmost blue ship following another cruise ship, the Marella Explore out of Kotor. We turn left down that narrow channel, leaving less than 50 yards either side of the ship. Even then we're not in open sea</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0xaXKfk45-Nbhrjsm-vJtKZ0pH72VSowKV-XWmHXFrlk17Kp9K6-wM1NZjLsrNN2df8b_X1Z9RSkDCDZTMf0zpCK4kNRjiMSBu4gOxYGb6_VMBboFzpofw7Oi0H5uAELj1iKoZI5WmdQoy5eEErZy7qqkI4iy1VRKmzldiZ2xx2q31UXcg/s4032/IMG_5050.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0xaXKfk45-Nbhrjsm-vJtKZ0pH72VSowKV-XWmHXFrlk17Kp9K6-wM1NZjLsrNN2df8b_X1Z9RSkDCDZTMf0zpCK4kNRjiMSBu4gOxYGb6_VMBboFzpofw7Oi0H5uAELj1iKoZI5WmdQoy5eEErZy7qqkI4iy1VRKmzldiZ2xx2q31UXcg/s320/IMG_5050.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The iconic Lady of the Rocks Church near Kotor</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>One of the iconic landmarks near the narrow passage I mentioned above, is the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Lady_of_the_Rocks" target="_blank">Our Lady of the Rocks</a> Church on a small island in the middle of the fjord.<div><br /></div><div>The "sail away" from Kotor is truly spectacular, and the upper deck was lined with passengers looking and taking photos. It's truly fabulous.</div><div><br /></div><div>We really enjoyed our time in Kotor, and I'd love to go back one day.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJucCYA2h_hD5PlUj2t4h6Ig9jo-pBMzNUOvMOqTC57jf6yKXgv_EnugAARDcQZ7jYF_NM8hVPGcaONQitDMegApOo31Lt9K_VJz_uZ5DwhIjOZQf3Kz1cmswBu4se_PvByvQM_yiD2s1mJ2TeeNoFgj7xYSXyxqpO5ablYuR9Lf0ICBX_GA/s2000/DSC03490.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1297" data-original-width="2000" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJucCYA2h_hD5PlUj2t4h6Ig9jo-pBMzNUOvMOqTC57jf6yKXgv_EnugAARDcQZ7jYF_NM8hVPGcaONQitDMegApOo31Lt9K_VJz_uZ5DwhIjOZQf3Kz1cmswBu4se_PvByvQM_yiD2s1mJ2TeeNoFgj7xYSXyxqpO5ablYuR9Lf0ICBX_GA/s320/DSC03490.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Passengers enjoying the "sail away"</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>One of the events we attended on the ship on our sea day passage to Messina was a Q&A session with Captain Kate McCue, hosted by the irrepressible Cruise Director Alejandro Tortorelli It was a real insight into Capt Kate's time at sea, the inner workings of being on a cruise ship and plenty of humorous anecdotes to boot.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgPvhy5jd-6W4vEjIPi3cRAQWYubOP5uAFw5nV5tzWXoEInnu8XQRWGcZF1m60cMW1QZGwYOGtgeE-1hMCucsZQTpymmsIO0G4jvZwgAPnowLWXgJZHd2F6HeQWsW25gmQD7UPSzNEQ38U8LbdKFByTbb0EM1uZ6e83bSVhzx3JczMDenbQ/s4032/IMG_5063.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgPvhy5jd-6W4vEjIPi3cRAQWYubOP5uAFw5nV5tzWXoEInnu8XQRWGcZF1m60cMW1QZGwYOGtgeE-1hMCucsZQTpymmsIO0G4jvZwgAPnowLWXgJZHd2F6HeQWsW25gmQD7UPSzNEQ38U8LbdKFByTbb0EM1uZ6e83bSVhzx3JczMDenbQ/s320/IMG_5063.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Captain Kate McCue and Cruise Director Alejandro Tortorelli</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywiB3HO_8QExpZVtig3DhwcfN8vaH3RHFeCOU0Aepa5v6dus2KFzqFOSUjr76twcPWuwCfRJUCTteHP4zbkjY0X05nBe0U2M98Miz3iwKcAZqIovJrIfayVFFy8DEYGLfRPQ50Wvn9vFSwJYYhO6yDVENw5klX9iyZLj2PVqq5DEo4AazHw/s4032/IMG_5070.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhywiB3HO_8QExpZVtig3DhwcfN8vaH3RHFeCOU0Aepa5v6dus2KFzqFOSUjr76twcPWuwCfRJUCTteHP4zbkjY0X05nBe0U2M98Miz3iwKcAZqIovJrIfayVFFy8DEYGLfRPQ50Wvn9vFSwJYYhO6yDVENw5klX9iyZLj2PVqq5DEo4AazHw/s320/IMG_5070.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Captain's cat, "Bug Naked"</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilL0G3H4MkR8no4v30WySIuIqic2vtnfw7Bl8Ztjpu_ujw0d51mlnPCisqiw_q1Ku5GkmRaf4gHQr21ZIBdXwVCh-Yz8jzYw2w_Jn7_xRtrZTxfxyfJy4LJZRVcXkooW_M_VMxzFgupi7di8Z9STC1KJTTf8K0FPlRlgCJqnP_gQICradlEw/s3845/IMG_5078.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3845" data-original-width="2469" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilL0G3H4MkR8no4v30WySIuIqic2vtnfw7Bl8Ztjpu_ujw0d51mlnPCisqiw_q1Ku5GkmRaf4gHQr21ZIBdXwVCh-Yz8jzYw2w_Jn7_xRtrZTxfxyfJy4LJZRVcXkooW_M_VMxzFgupi7di8Z9STC1KJTTf8K0FPlRlgCJqnP_gQICradlEw/s320/IMG_5078.jpeg" width="205" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Got a photo with the skipper!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnK6d2GHb00IMUofvosMm-t70bn5kje2N4xnTQjd5O_Z5N1WeFMxUTFULtgTLtX7q-tJFI3D4-VKcS7fABUpj6z0oBflkd9RMzhS-HOrgQOddQ7qdvIwHO2TRViTEX_7Td0F7FtNT3SvNfjL5zRUbnHDlcMPQIfLnNmziu_z6OadFQratO7g/s4032/IMG_5079.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnK6d2GHb00IMUofvosMm-t70bn5kje2N4xnTQjd5O_Z5N1WeFMxUTFULtgTLtX7q-tJFI3D4-VKcS7fABUpj6z0oBflkd9RMzhS-HOrgQOddQ7qdvIwHO2TRViTEX_7Td0F7FtNT3SvNfjL5zRUbnHDlcMPQIfLnNmziu_z6OadFQratO7g/s320/IMG_5079.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Passengers vs Officers Pool Volleyball<br />(Officers won)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>An overnight sail from Kotor saw us docking in Messina, Sicily early the next morning. After a slightly later breakfast than of late, we were off on another excursion, this time a 45 minute coach trip down the coast to the pretty town of <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwj_sPrDur6BAxVWh1wKHU2HApcQFnoECFUQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FTaormina&usg=AOvVaw05QUWvwY_I0inSojwa5JmJ&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Taormina</a>.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8VkhwyCre7rlviASAptUhcyAos3VDklTjaXBwudB0bI49g65iDX6oa2ehkOwnaO1nJnnxuHrxCIe0BRoVZUr7qHvZjze-HdfU0NQ0kH2qVixbl0j295OdxBn_3K7yESVgvKcRsyXQiecXjonmmX7vzhYHlebcYKwXNSrgEM_YHNfWKRMslg/s2000/DSC03494.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8VkhwyCre7rlviASAptUhcyAos3VDklTjaXBwudB0bI49g65iDX6oa2ehkOwnaO1nJnnxuHrxCIe0BRoVZUr7qHvZjze-HdfU0NQ0kH2qVixbl0j295OdxBn_3K7yESVgvKcRsyXQiecXjonmmX7vzhYHlebcYKwXNSrgEM_YHNfWKRMslg/s320/DSC03494.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Messina</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJerTDuOo338zIFuQrysnjHnh3jBhOjikAgRN93mjPJLRFK9JO50mfpXL1xI_5LnXYtAqkZ5zh9GPRDGtbbg1fFYEPsavDR9ydGY2KDUOhsDWxcAqm1LBm4kGeFi7s4bPnHslUzlWMQ7UNLozAGcUgj9kyqs3JLVWLi4OyfUJxDR8vFRwng/s4032/IMG_5114.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJerTDuOo338zIFuQrysnjHnh3jBhOjikAgRN93mjPJLRFK9JO50mfpXL1xI_5LnXYtAqkZ5zh9GPRDGtbbg1fFYEPsavDR9ydGY2KDUOhsDWxcAqm1LBm4kGeFi7s4bPnHslUzlWMQ7UNLozAGcUgj9kyqs3JLVWLi4OyfUJxDR8vFRwng/s320/IMG_5114.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taormina with Etna brooding in the background</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Here we were left to our one devices for about three hours. Having researched beforehand, I knew we wanted to visit the roman amphitheatre, so we queued for our tickets. From Taormina the volcano of Mount Etna is clearly visible on the hills to the west, so we managed some decent photos as we explored the amphitheatre. </div><div><br /></div><div>Following this, we wandered the main street of Taormina, <a href="https://www.traveltaormina.com/en/monuments/corso-umberto-taormina.html#:~:text=The%20Corso%20Umberto%20I%20is,the%20original%20Greco%2DRoman%20settlements." target="_blank">Corso Umberto I</a>. Lined with shops, restaurants, side alleys, cafes it's got a real happening vibe to it, but like all our stops on the cruise, was pretty busy. We stooped in a cafe to sample the local <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjr_9mHu76BAxVRgv0HHakwBv0QFnoECBAQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FGranita&usg=AOvVaw0PBU5zmwYLAP4ts-K7YAgO&opi=89978449" target="_blank">granita</a> a sort of cross between a sorbet and gelato. Anne had a pistachio flavoured one, and mine was a zingy lemon. Fabulous to cool us down on another very warm day. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-A9ueLsdyj1Yf0kewHgg3a_JFh4V8XfNwY56SUUKt_4dbz_el9pmLO-vMQLIhEvTPjy-PYw_LRjSE02OihoLpvC_mnBGWd6lZpCWo_grdKXnllQ-pdNvvWflBHognzy82stMLwM9EmLRGwPobRCEcao28rwtXIg3r8LwBEpEItM2SrPyjg/s4032/IMG_5109.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-A9ueLsdyj1Yf0kewHgg3a_JFh4V8XfNwY56SUUKt_4dbz_el9pmLO-vMQLIhEvTPjy-PYw_LRjSE02OihoLpvC_mnBGWd6lZpCWo_grdKXnllQ-pdNvvWflBHognzy82stMLwM9EmLRGwPobRCEcao28rwtXIg3r8LwBEpEItM2SrPyjg/s320/IMG_5109.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amphitheatre and Etna</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiF7NeluFXwICU6tMKvmLs-tz3uVrOKreN9fYudH2k2Bkr-6quN3aCuI12a-Z22otS4oXTdG1zvfSaflnzZqEtGmZEOyz3g_xB6wUAKKwLCMux9-fzbRSFCCn8EqVb8FqxWepwk9vyXrxqB5ajEdzqSYpZP6u-4Ag1-CPYtW9ImUU6G95j9A/s4032/IMG_5118.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiF7NeluFXwICU6tMKvmLs-tz3uVrOKreN9fYudH2k2Bkr-6quN3aCuI12a-Z22otS4oXTdG1zvfSaflnzZqEtGmZEOyz3g_xB6wUAKKwLCMux9-fzbRSFCCn8EqVb8FqxWepwk9vyXrxqB5ajEdzqSYpZP6u-4Ag1-CPYtW9ImUU6G95j9A/s320/IMG_5118.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Corso Umberto I</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHVchHuy-VK95dtJG2tGV-Uy4CInS5lrgBjh-xUOpVDJ1ekb_q--Xi9JWLfQd5Iartnyca1H0-ZfDrQPV0-VQoHU0V9hjDUhjbUHJitSwCHcgXlrhkXA40rxmQfCDtUnkficFo69qVFFyU_MZHksmqHniCUeWZofpjABuFRALq08GO2fqI3g/s4032/IMG_5121.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHVchHuy-VK95dtJG2tGV-Uy4CInS5lrgBjh-xUOpVDJ1ekb_q--Xi9JWLfQd5Iartnyca1H0-ZfDrQPV0-VQoHU0V9hjDUhjbUHJitSwCHcgXlrhkXA40rxmQfCDtUnkficFo69qVFFyU_MZHksmqHniCUeWZofpjABuFRALq08GO2fqI3g/s320/IMG_5121.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taormina side street</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCfxAXxzrGB0Z05XExYahuCSjbMXFlGK1QpEz8OPq9UOD4nMO4ny9KgrcqrIesFHo_BqfQIoIOoAdmMhoMStlgNxPVGdn8r0tUt3NOhLQNC3NXuWnI4BjwPo0U2ptsk4_vOw1AQ2GZurUnGmKHhfH1XUCuQ-f4MvpfFyIrA6rnM_ugi2v_Ng/s4032/IMG_5125.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCfxAXxzrGB0Z05XExYahuCSjbMXFlGK1QpEz8OPq9UOD4nMO4ny9KgrcqrIesFHo_BqfQIoIOoAdmMhoMStlgNxPVGdn8r0tUt3NOhLQNC3NXuWnI4BjwPo0U2ptsk4_vOw1AQ2GZurUnGmKHhfH1XUCuQ-f4MvpfFyIrA6rnM_ugi2v_Ng/s320/IMG_5125.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taormina piazza</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCnujzw_oTiYnNZDxIj8JC0J2ngGL0mrRCtgxY1GjS7uULmcdw17BYu25-jMYNR6NdD_QhgnN3LK6XBjCwRvxudXAqF9VH_Xn8d8NzWFASEK34BxS-n-y-lEACj2nhVQ9HXH24eZLpie5xxgUBJfb08wMGrX8wbJyiw3yOdZ3gXvqFPGN2oQ/s4032/IMG_5119.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCnujzw_oTiYnNZDxIj8JC0J2ngGL0mrRCtgxY1GjS7uULmcdw17BYu25-jMYNR6NdD_QhgnN3LK6XBjCwRvxudXAqF9VH_Xn8d8NzWFASEK34BxS-n-y-lEACj2nhVQ9HXH24eZLpie5xxgUBJfb08wMGrX8wbJyiw3yOdZ3gXvqFPGN2oQ/s320/IMG_5119.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Granita</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Twitter: @Statto1927 <div>Mastodon: @simonhiscocks@toot.wales </div><div>Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/people/simon_hiscocks/ </div><div>Instagram: simon_hiscocks
</div></div>Stattohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05101176230353582280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372129.post-30498186197414980702023-09-22T15:05:00.002+01:002023-09-22T15:15:26.291+01:00Mediterranean Cruise - Part 3: Corfu and Dubrovnik<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ06PHR4hBbZO9r-BBvQ-RYtlwp0DXWVhC0pxmcGlk9GSsE4guowonYsavb9QbuKORhcIWhepHe3vDBWwPj4l6tLhtKpLrOqNZKqQZlqCA_Eah6_rT8RNRJKepTPxIr_wyx2rm0JNsu7o5lPtKoC3zyQnAiJlfLCYGjDQu2N7FPopEUhWdBg/s2000/DSC03356.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1377" data-original-width="2000" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ06PHR4hBbZO9r-BBvQ-RYtlwp0DXWVhC0pxmcGlk9GSsE4guowonYsavb9QbuKORhcIWhepHe3vDBWwPj4l6tLhtKpLrOqNZKqQZlqCA_Eah6_rT8RNRJKepTPxIr_wyx2rm0JNsu7o5lPtKoC3zyQnAiJlfLCYGjDQu2N7FPopEUhWdBg/s320/DSC03356.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A former palace, now a museum in Corfu Town</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>Those of you that know us, will know that Corfu is one of our favourite holiday spots, and we've visited several times over the last few years. We therefore decided to give the excursions a miss and just wander around old Corfu town on our own for a couple hours. Of course, me being me, I decided it's an easy walk. Well, actually it's the best part of a mile to get from our pier dock to the port entrance, and then another mile or so into the old town! And yes, it was another hot day. Another death stare from Mrs H (not really).</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, we wandered around the old town, up and down the narrow streets filled with tourist shops, cafes and so on. We stopped for a very nice coffee and watched the world go by for half an hour, before making our way around by the old fort, along the coast road and back to the ship. By the time we got back, it was very hot, and we'd walked the best part of five miles, but to be honest, I don't mind, because you see parts of the place you'd miss if you were on a bus or in a taxi. And a cold beer on return always hits the spot! The rest of the day was spent relaxing on a sun bed, with a quick dip on the pool before getting ready for dinner, a show and a nightcap.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTY_qTuoJZVM_qma4myCAHiUDgIEnrf64qQ4G0EmZNNhiRPy6oE2AEyhY9DI5A6R0Jdi5jVk8Gje5u9QOEj2xLm0tapwg51P4-2LIHV6QOPn-ELY73VXHcGOl-k8PlwD8CNii8kd2aeYNQizia5ouCGZ5hA0E0ABjs8aEPz1NUeAHZPimlFw/s4032/IMG_4856.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTY_qTuoJZVM_qma4myCAHiUDgIEnrf64qQ4G0EmZNNhiRPy6oE2AEyhY9DI5A6R0Jdi5jVk8Gje5u9QOEj2xLm0tapwg51P4-2LIHV6QOPn-ELY73VXHcGOl-k8PlwD8CNii8kd2aeYNQizia5ouCGZ5hA0E0ABjs8aEPz1NUeAHZPimlFw/s320/IMG_4856.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corfu town backstreet</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_RKgC6UnGHjK87NxSEKZPVdHeNlRs6_Qv5raKasI3MP8M6Zs6Z4Vpw6GuNUZAGUuU5Si7rHO_f1_Pdm4oFkxN2W3wbymRD8fsgDwuSI1dlTaYsJe2f6uBZhkIOotL0JBWbdvNg4nLym71N0FLVmntUiaStBU4LNUYwYpJkcfl6B8QhyVyDw/s4032/IMG_4858.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_RKgC6UnGHjK87NxSEKZPVdHeNlRs6_Qv5raKasI3MP8M6Zs6Z4Vpw6GuNUZAGUuU5Si7rHO_f1_Pdm4oFkxN2W3wbymRD8fsgDwuSI1dlTaYsJe2f6uBZhkIOotL0JBWbdvNg4nLym71N0FLVmntUiaStBU4LNUYwYpJkcfl6B8QhyVyDw/s320/IMG_4858.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corfiot door</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSV1dHPXeT6BxihIzPYSzg9a1uEAnojBLUE3oFo5CS7SYEgObmEft643ZI0UwC37p1BUSCDAnynefhIT_RN-ZOEJbOqPgYuFM-RSWVx7PIP-k7fhvNBTmrCIwKX4yAFfHLhv_i5qxNDUeAr3IPfEZE60YdK4Yi5h4r1kE4feHEI8eMSIg3Aw/s4032/IMG_4860.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSV1dHPXeT6BxihIzPYSzg9a1uEAnojBLUE3oFo5CS7SYEgObmEft643ZI0UwC37p1BUSCDAnynefhIT_RN-ZOEJbOqPgYuFM-RSWVx7PIP-k7fhvNBTmrCIwKX4yAFfHLhv_i5qxNDUeAr3IPfEZE60YdK4Yi5h4r1kE4feHEI8eMSIg3Aw/s320/IMG_4860.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Museum and arch</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyP_ywlKFTkrgkExS6GXolHqmuPbsUq2OmHCQSRxyLzdviLkcYguvGN7yNdxk0gMwFbmSM_J5PO626BqSLKVH1EM4KaS-v9BVr-TTTyJIkbwQ61vUCOYwohabGGJGrCGWWZ_j-eQ-EuiFIAoW0wKtKmu6QGURd2c4S9_mJZ7oQoEyXQ5v8Q/s3869/IMG_4864.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2902" data-original-width="3869" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyP_ywlKFTkrgkExS6GXolHqmuPbsUq2OmHCQSRxyLzdviLkcYguvGN7yNdxk0gMwFbmSM_J5PO626BqSLKVH1EM4KaS-v9BVr-TTTyJIkbwQ61vUCOYwohabGGJGrCGWWZ_j-eQ-EuiFIAoW0wKtKmu6QGURd2c4S9_mJZ7oQoEyXQ5v8Q/s320/IMG_4864.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by an obliging chap near the old fort</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTqk2BjhhlvRTm5wWXUAnkHKYeBVZPoOq3YwQ7cP5n9Tzdxoa3WShkMjOtkJjB6EjQ67ayghUW76ApuZrw0cPWeuwsFoL7bTBK7JzRJICY-_Ek-_umu7SqTd1HVBcfZ_zcoOq37L2g7er_iUDEwalKrzLFZGZ6GJ7MnGtgF_as5V4ZdFXG8w/s4032/IMG_4888.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTqk2BjhhlvRTm5wWXUAnkHKYeBVZPoOq3YwQ7cP5n9Tzdxoa3WShkMjOtkJjB6EjQ67ayghUW76ApuZrw0cPWeuwsFoL7bTBK7JzRJICY-_Ek-_umu7SqTd1HVBcfZ_zcoOq37L2g7er_iUDEwalKrzLFZGZ6GJ7MnGtgF_as5V4ZdFXG8w/s320/IMG_4888.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nearly back. Hot and tired</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>As we awoke the next day and lifted the blinds we were just coming in to dock in Dubrovnik. This was another new destination for us. We slowly moved past the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franjo_Tuđman" target="_blank">Dr Franjo Tudman </a>bridge to dock at the pier. Our plan for the day was an excursion to the old town to walk the famous <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walls_of_Dubrovnik" target="_blank">city walls</a>. They run for about 2km right around the old city, reaching a maximum height of about 25m (82ft). After a quick viewpoint stop, our guide took us into the old town and we ascended the first set of stairs onto the walls. Although we were still relatively early (about 10am ish) it was already hot, and we'd only gone about 15 mins in when our tour group had a casualty as an elderly lady fainted in the heat and with the exertion. Medical aid given she returned to the ship and we carried on. The views are outstanding of Dubrovnik's red tiled roofs, and regular sightings of locations used in the <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjPhOOjr76BAxUHIsAKHdlPB0EQFnoECGQQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FGame_of_Thrones&usg=AOvVaw1abfvl8UDNc8oJxybvr_Rd&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Game of Thrones</a> TV series (Dubrovnik was used as the location for King's Landing, home of the Lannisters in that series.</div><div><br /></div><div>After about 2 hours we completed the walls, and then had a little free time, only about 45 mins (not enough really) to explore on our own before returning to the ship. It's a fascinating place and I'd have loved to spend more time there, but it was really busy, thanks to both it's innate beauty and history, and of course the result of it's popularity due to Game of Thrones. I think if I came again, I'd look for somewhere to stay further out from Dubrovnik, and take a day trip in to the city.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQRG_lvhbiRXfH3Qf_9NipbnHt-z-SdsJbrR6S4Roxau0jsNZY-MWKGrawgFM1OjqwNAT-hyW4m8OE-A2QoxatdBXsUhjK7ImOeFvyfquFbQ_2aN53X9Gv2zUTQBm3l1FIKttaN43RlZ9zJw-FnzJkNT1YeT0lYdMH8X0DvLeHD99XHnh9w/s4032/IMG_4902.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWQRG_lvhbiRXfH3Qf_9NipbnHt-z-SdsJbrR6S4Roxau0jsNZY-MWKGrawgFM1OjqwNAT-hyW4m8OE-A2QoxatdBXsUhjK7ImOeFvyfquFbQ_2aN53X9Gv2zUTQBm3l1FIKttaN43RlZ9zJw-FnzJkNT1YeT0lYdMH8X0DvLeHD99XHnh9w/s320/IMG_4902.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dubrovnik old town from viewpoint</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Y1K_mPNHLMGUPQt8x4xvNaHqhg-lJ4AbKKQ5PkRfVdRLAo02h3f09EJwv1VL5yMrHZiij-hpUofU3DIWMzqy-CDmq2KUUphJXe4mRUKX68x6BPtfLhxtd2BcfG7MMm-3JtEnzJcPfZBerSCZaJaf9vXgKkpDztxQrDi054O6KsBQ24ypPQ/s4032/IMG_4907.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Y1K_mPNHLMGUPQt8x4xvNaHqhg-lJ4AbKKQ5PkRfVdRLAo02h3f09EJwv1VL5yMrHZiij-hpUofU3DIWMzqy-CDmq2KUUphJXe4mRUKX68x6BPtfLhxtd2BcfG7MMm-3JtEnzJcPfZBerSCZaJaf9vXgKkpDztxQrDi054O6KsBQ24ypPQ/s320/IMG_4907.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ascending to the City Walls</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1bNNmRClqJd1kXqUkI2nRIHChyXSoCqjfy6RuCuF31mca-aaiLF_cfVsaJFHIMgZkBGtTHcnKVfA6woo-dO2edhSccYTFMuEPkXHjjlakwc0DplMcAXCYmI_BFqYyJSvOUc2YS0uYe28UdOy7gZHwBeOqLclnimY6-9Z5ffNLDikGNiA-2w/s3888/IMG_4915.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2916" data-original-width="3888" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1bNNmRClqJd1kXqUkI2nRIHChyXSoCqjfy6RuCuF31mca-aaiLF_cfVsaJFHIMgZkBGtTHcnKVfA6woo-dO2edhSccYTFMuEPkXHjjlakwc0DplMcAXCYmI_BFqYyJSvOUc2YS0uYe28UdOy7gZHwBeOqLclnimY6-9Z5ffNLDikGNiA-2w/s320/IMG_4915.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bells and Domes</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLfwXhk3ojuIY2h5Ttf8EGFZJDP1QXzP70EtjsYS6LRNRrH9SKPdtn9gLZ2h5vfbA4jH7Otwt5HYrCiOw6XOM08mlHJg11ktThICrn_7oOPJQtRALTEQjKK0Rzv-d9AlAWsuJaJ2-NlcURdxgS_LQfspsDb6XseesRv1WdwgKpAZjWi3zlA/s4032/IMG_4925.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZLfwXhk3ojuIY2h5Ttf8EGFZJDP1QXzP70EtjsYS6LRNRrH9SKPdtn9gLZ2h5vfbA4jH7Otwt5HYrCiOw6XOM08mlHJg11ktThICrn_7oOPJQtRALTEQjKK0Rzv-d9AlAWsuJaJ2-NlcURdxgS_LQfspsDb6XseesRv1WdwgKpAZjWi3zlA/s320/IMG_4925.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dubrovnik roofs</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1nB-YCLvu9Rs6hdQ6p0Hfe3Zxos2rS0AgOPvkfxMcyUjQa78h6mQZViyyvvVAKOdrhiXe1tUWuZeWU3A7AaN7OPjRgI2a-S5AQ73ZTg1YTQq9KGYaV1vfxuTaQJAV5iLtZsoyoisHdBqq7ds98SfPlaOHQktbKFUoGCdCWe-vmZQEiUCQ_A/s3867/IMG_4927.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2900" data-original-width="3867" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1nB-YCLvu9Rs6hdQ6p0Hfe3Zxos2rS0AgOPvkfxMcyUjQa78h6mQZViyyvvVAKOdrhiXe1tUWuZeWU3A7AaN7OPjRgI2a-S5AQ73ZTg1YTQq9KGYaV1vfxuTaQJAV5iLtZsoyoisHdBqq7ds98SfPlaOHQktbKFUoGCdCWe-vmZQEiUCQ_A/s320/IMG_4927.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dubrovnik selfie</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg65HNk4IgEZNOzZNE0jkPLj4BKVlNhJbnx4DEnez5oe2foklErdlU3y8P32pkvXewrjyVN3mGQ5TSOQuiDROlgKPpr-1blpyg7OLm-4l5ne9k4eAplQ_mj3Vi_6uA3P4yh4zWLDvK8zf06ajbNga3La3vflr69QhPXKhDiKr8R6vRpEuSwew/s4032/IMG_4933.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg65HNk4IgEZNOzZNE0jkPLj4BKVlNhJbnx4DEnez5oe2foklErdlU3y8P32pkvXewrjyVN3mGQ5TSOQuiDROlgKPpr-1blpyg7OLm-4l5ne9k4eAplQ_mj3Vi_6uA3P4yh4zWLDvK8zf06ajbNga3La3vflr69QhPXKhDiKr8R6vRpEuSwew/s320/IMG_4933.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moored near the Dr Franjo Tudman bridge</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>It was a late departure from Dubrovnik and were treated to the most glorious sunset as we made our way slowly out of port and then it was on to our now routine evening schedule of dinner, drinks and a show.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrmjUfLGd-OXJubeWk_27SqQD-CIYNOkg43sf5HiJM3up_pEq6Q9efUDLKsM_XWxY1yoFwf6QP4slfZi2_21JOboZxDzmmAsXS8YSPz3N0Hol0iyLWAyewh6Lgrl6aOjfnMpjXIWdH2IaW_DV8r4zlrKBnSc-EreipTXwUmd0eR3JpnKGaLA/s4032/IMG_4937.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrmjUfLGd-OXJubeWk_27SqQD-CIYNOkg43sf5HiJM3up_pEq6Q9efUDLKsM_XWxY1yoFwf6QP4slfZi2_21JOboZxDzmmAsXS8YSPz3N0Hol0iyLWAyewh6Lgrl6aOjfnMpjXIWdH2IaW_DV8r4zlrKBnSc-EreipTXwUmd0eR3JpnKGaLA/s320/IMG_4937.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dubrovnik sunset</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>A cruise ship has a lot of space to fill, and so there was art everywhere - paintings, sculptures, weird passages that reminded me of scenes from Dr Who. Some was pretty standard stuff, and some was, well, plain weird.</div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxdPNAFULsvU3GbTiKJz-ULr0f4L4fFxNvPJMs8OHT_c1SKt4_rzKyLjNvREwxxdes7ORPhfHZvm4gx8x6Ps4uRVLHL-17bIMb0jWMTsAPuwuMG_0baUspfm5u3bAdpTJq4PAN8EuGUP5VLU46HWwSXNXH_YfoedqlUjxYlC7rq00uzI6hXg/s4032/IMG_5277.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxdPNAFULsvU3GbTiKJz-ULr0f4L4fFxNvPJMs8OHT_c1SKt4_rzKyLjNvREwxxdes7ORPhfHZvm4gx8x6Ps4uRVLHL-17bIMb0jWMTsAPuwuMG_0baUspfm5u3bAdpTJq4PAN8EuGUP5VLU46HWwSXNXH_YfoedqlUjxYlC7rq00uzI6hXg/s320/IMG_5277.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Art on a ship stairwell</td></tr></tbody></table></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLbK0j8RDLJ1YE8wgrcrRip1tpKghtJv30Bb64siGxDp0nf0lW_REEVg2KQMdR-NDn1uTpuc-40QsKG0DdTkY6TmBB0pfhGBXcwEAGeoTwcIOyZq3-Ai2GntQI8q-lpg2EFUO8U0V9XEEU_5FwJdbSS28A0m1w9a5fmUjxefIueXLbiXSoQ/s4032/IMG_4946.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLbK0j8RDLJ1YE8wgrcrRip1tpKghtJv30Bb64siGxDp0nf0lW_REEVg2KQMdR-NDn1uTpuc-40QsKG0DdTkY6TmBB0pfhGBXcwEAGeoTwcIOyZq3-Ai2GntQI8q-lpg2EFUO8U0V9XEEU_5FwJdbSS28A0m1w9a5fmUjxefIueXLbiXSoQ/s320/IMG_4946.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Art on the pool deck</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Tomorrow we'll be in the place I'm looking forward to the most - Kotor, in Montenegro!</div><div><br /></div>Twitter: @Statto1927 <div>Mastodon: @simonhiscocks@toot.wales </div><div>Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/people/simon_hiscocks/ </div><div>Instagram: simon_hiscocks
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Stattohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05101176230353582280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372129.post-34245120502373302752023-09-22T13:13:00.003+01:002023-09-22T13:13:25.493+01:00Mediterranean Cruise - Part 2: Behind the scenes and Olympia<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzaTrXtXm2pfNfSKfUg8_9jzqScaQ2X0Y-4mXMQbS8Z3FtG5r6Mi9sQId5YhEsNz_LgDEWNRChJ7jtdk1IrNJziuw3OaHTc2Tluu3DcpW6onphSzuLY3vCzmyEeJgl8BgV5UhaUi0T8qLmyZeIijqdvvku45kPrlP4Cenaf0ncUlt1uGDJAA/s4032/IMG_4752.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzaTrXtXm2pfNfSKfUg8_9jzqScaQ2X0Y-4mXMQbS8Z3FtG5r6Mi9sQId5YhEsNz_LgDEWNRChJ7jtdk1IrNJziuw3OaHTc2Tluu3DcpW6onphSzuLY3vCzmyEeJgl8BgV5UhaUi0T8qLmyZeIijqdvvku45kPrlP4Cenaf0ncUlt1uGDJAA/s320/IMG_4752.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the bridge!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today's a sea day. No stops until Katakolon tomorrow morning. A chance to chill out on the sun/pool deck, explore the ship have the odd drink, eat a lot...you know the score by now. First thing, as we opened our blinds to see <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwip6fmNmL6BAxX3T0EAHTLFAccQFnoECBcQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FStromboli&usg=AOvVaw0eMuhhTMLVzYmBhAmPuU-B&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Stromboli</a>, an active volcano island (inhabited) passing by on our port side.</div><div><br /></div><div>The highlight of today is a behind the scenes tour that we'd booked which included access to the engine control room, the kitchens (or some of them), the laundry and best of all the bridge. At the appointed time/place, our group of around a dozen were issued with our "Inside Access" badges and lanyards and taken into the inner workings of the Celebrity Beyond. We started with a visit to the Engine Control Room or ECR, where 2nd Engineer "Jim"for Greece (that's what his badge said) explained how the ships engines, heating, water and other systems worked. It was a relatively small space filled with big screens and one other engineer in the "live bit". The ship has five engines, of which two are the biggies driving the "<a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjOz4Dfl76BAxXwXUEAHVk9DHsQFnoECBsQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FAzipod&usg=AOvVaw1c2IL2foiUGqO0FVMYxdk6&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Azipod</a>" propellers, each 15m in diameter! Interestingly, the ship has no rudder. It's steered by these azipods that can rotate through 360 degrees.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxpre7KZOCyEmnOoU-o9_51XkyOSXyFX2lsGC1vLUIDTmjUqNjEIxrx08hJhZMZ6s-GKoC03Ae1NLUjdlywlkRGNtzraM86MPDf_bHJukw6gq4Lt2kpXALg-cVe3J1ynjCxV3C0lLd4ZvBC1xBIZyzC1Uvd8HAcqaOGtcMDnFr-N2pVb74A/s4032/IMG_4727.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxpre7KZOCyEmnOoU-o9_51XkyOSXyFX2lsGC1vLUIDTmjUqNjEIxrx08hJhZMZ6s-GKoC03Ae1NLUjdlywlkRGNtzraM86MPDf_bHJukw6gq4Lt2kpXALg-cVe3J1ynjCxV3C0lLd4ZvBC1xBIZyzC1Uvd8HAcqaOGtcMDnFr-N2pVb74A/s320/IMG_4727.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anne with 2nd Engineer Jim</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnnMPMiSUgbpC5iwQwqcZHjA2-ebpygdFHWHgHQujxf2vRiJyLZnPFk6ncl2BQmu1ujek-mgb3FWQIgTkH3-xj2xVh9kHtbym7vNXmaVl4FSfgZvUg3eodSMLAjVBkMf0N_1bytKRO1BtLlog7rVeeFAtESQFpLoWGvU6NUBrTcGoFFa0IRQ/s4032/IMG_4728.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnnMPMiSUgbpC5iwQwqcZHjA2-ebpygdFHWHgHQujxf2vRiJyLZnPFk6ncl2BQmu1ujek-mgb3FWQIgTkH3-xj2xVh9kHtbym7vNXmaVl4FSfgZvUg3eodSMLAjVBkMf0N_1bytKRO1BtLlog7rVeeFAtESQFpLoWGvU6NUBrTcGoFFa0IRQ/s320/IMG_4728.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Screen showing engines status <br />(apologies for the reflections)<br />Azipods are in green at bottom of screen</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>After the ECR we were ushered along the corridor on deck 2 that runs the length of the ship that crew use to access wherever they're going. It's known colloquially at "I-95". Then up to deck 11 and along to the bridge, via a corridor containing awards that Capt Kate McCue has acquired over her years at sea.</div><div><br /></div><div>The bridge was a bigger space than I'd imagined, with an arched central console housing all the systems and screens. Surprisingly other than the officer who was there to take to us, there were only three other people on the bridge. Two officers and a sailor lookout. It was a very calm and quiet environment. We were told all about the controls, including the tiny wooden steering wheel (wooden as a tradition apparently) which is rarely used as all the steering is normally done via much more sophisticated equipment. We walked out to the wing bridge used when docking and un-docking as its easier to see the side of the ship. Using the azipod steering, the ship can rotate through 360 degrees on a sixpence, so tugs are rarely needed in ports.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiToVF-I6QLdWk9EZd_0w7TQMn7InYlZlaMzROdf1TmogI5ZRMOynPQJ2qKqs8DF8FPNHr2Mn1rQysEN3PuszFC6Uwo5h9wtyMcmgqVNBCFDOyXx9d_3b3MSDlTvOBn_lmNfwnavLE9neb0K6x_inVSnes_5mlgOACdlL-7l4UP_xr_G3iIOA/s4032/IMG_4735.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiToVF-I6QLdWk9EZd_0w7TQMn7InYlZlaMzROdf1TmogI5ZRMOynPQJ2qKqs8DF8FPNHr2Mn1rQysEN3PuszFC6Uwo5h9wtyMcmgqVNBCFDOyXx9d_3b3MSDlTvOBn_lmNfwnavLE9neb0K6x_inVSnes_5mlgOACdlL-7l4UP_xr_G3iIOA/s320/IMG_4735.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The working crew on the bridge. <br />Officers left & right, lookout centre</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>After the calm of the bridge we were escorted to the laundry. Far less glamorous, but just as important keeping towels, linen and clothing for over 4,000 passengers and crew clean. A massive logistical operation helped by washing machines that take 256lb loads, and machines that dry and fold towels and sheets automatically! Could do with those at home! It's a hot, humid and noisy place though, and I wouldn't want to work there!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nIQiuUE8ky8jmvEAev_wCS8U7eNmrGNzLb9qbd4nWNovobIk8d-1Ncz2wXp8NDbWrZ8jjNBIKnogOhc0d8_6w0gfdI4_ikDiA5Ct-QpYEvFm0BrK6xhm3YvTVKyEybs5ldZbtzcuQQdDmv72P6v9jpwC5Rx6P6NYfJ-PsOhF2Gyk-itB4w/s4032/IMG_4758.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nIQiuUE8ky8jmvEAev_wCS8U7eNmrGNzLb9qbd4nWNovobIk8d-1Ncz2wXp8NDbWrZ8jjNBIKnogOhc0d8_6w0gfdI4_ikDiA5Ct-QpYEvFm0BrK6xhm3YvTVKyEybs5ldZbtzcuQQdDmv72P6v9jpwC5Rx6P6NYfJ-PsOhF2Gyk-itB4w/s320/IMG_4758.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Officer showing us how towels are fed in, and automatically folder ready for the outdoor decks</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>After the laundry, another trip along I-95 to see the provisions stores which are understandably huge. They take on fresh provisions (fruit etc) at every port stop. Then it was on to the recycling centre. Celebrity prides itself on it's green credentials - much of the heat and steam generated by engines is used elsewhere on the ship, it has it's own desalination plant for the vast amounts of water that are used, and whatever can be recycled is.<div><br /></div><div>Our final stop was the kitchens (or at least one of the many kitchens) where top quality chefs prepare our food. Fresh bread is baked from scratch every day with basic ingredients (and I have to say all the bread we ate, and there were LOTS of different types from parmesan breadsticks to brioche, wholemeal, seeded etc was fabulous). We also got to taste freshly made gelato. The logistics involved again are staggering, but they have everything down to a tee.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRag8K3GXyWvnrW3nOR-HfmixXL1VoT_poRqL0yx08-vqupHtjXND29YI8TIltaGHyGld_prkelqEy2PSKriyo4IcTJ2mXeGWPvkE3mqUzkJeBgm5ph1QqApcYi4bXj7mwilme-ToB8Il-8I55cLuzhBQZvVFJkcsDLopXLh8jKYmZZQy5A/s4032/IMG_4774.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRag8K3GXyWvnrW3nOR-HfmixXL1VoT_poRqL0yx08-vqupHtjXND29YI8TIltaGHyGld_prkelqEy2PSKriyo4IcTJ2mXeGWPvkE3mqUzkJeBgm5ph1QqApcYi4bXj7mwilme-ToB8Il-8I55cLuzhBQZvVFJkcsDLopXLh8jKYmZZQy5A/s320/IMG_4774.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the kitchens where some bread has just been baked</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>It was fabulous tour, and brilliant to see how everything worked.</div><div><br /></div><div>The rest of the day was spent chilling, with a few drinks and meals thrown in as we navigated the Strait of Messina on our way to Katakolon. In the evening after dinner, we took in a show and headed for our favourite bar,</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHtySrYGbyk5DY_XU2weXUzDbDvHPfWO7ZP--doVdBnuOpuxyC5vKajvZcyi-Q2oHSjnF6ew8zW2WbiVciPuxQwv0vQlJndOcQ1u_NC2n1v8_8FLYjv19yAKGPN7TMkdXuEnImuZ_COq_UobgDMmzv-Kr5hjg-Q0ofO5xngbRcCC2QB1wpNQ/s4032/IMG_4715.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHtySrYGbyk5DY_XU2weXUzDbDvHPfWO7ZP--doVdBnuOpuxyC5vKajvZcyi-Q2oHSjnF6ew8zW2WbiVciPuxQwv0vQlJndOcQ1u_NC2n1v8_8FLYjv19yAKGPN7TMkdXuEnImuZ_COq_UobgDMmzv-Kr5hjg-Q0ofO5xngbRcCC2QB1wpNQ/s320/IMG_4715.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We passed the volcano island of Stromboli early in the morning</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5w_FgPZ86a_N7TwCux4F8o9u_Ha70Q2_PolPgEtbGpU3Xf5YanLX4WLuLOqE13VS_dye_BM5_qfCNqYaBDUTfq72i2b_yWDIOkLv3lqDkf2JFuQPINdVcy8WqB60nbFoX2F2Zn1ugQ6IT9QKivbZc8rIEIlHZwBO-INm0OnTMiyDG5Tbcg/s4032/IMG_4719.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5w_FgPZ86a_N7TwCux4F8o9u_Ha70Q2_PolPgEtbGpU3Xf5YanLX4WLuLOqE13VS_dye_BM5_qfCNqYaBDUTfq72i2b_yWDIOkLv3lqDkf2JFuQPINdVcy8WqB60nbFoX2F2Zn1ugQ6IT9QKivbZc8rIEIlHZwBO-INm0OnTMiyDG5Tbcg/s320/IMG_4719.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Messina - Celebrity Reflection is docked<br />We were on that ship in 2018 in the Caribbean<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table>The next morning as we lifted our stateroom blinds, we were docked in Katakolon, Greece. We were up early as we had an excursion to <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwixgefRl76BAxXnU0EAHdzRArAQFnoECBwQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FOlympia%2C_Greece&usg=AOvVaw0BRY1WToTIjZntqpn1hR4B&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Olympia</a> booked. When you have booked excursions you go to the theatre at the appointed time, collect a sticker for your group and wait to be called. It's a pretty sick process and we were off the ship, and in Olympia after a short 30minute drive by 9am. Although early, this had two big advantages. 1) although hot, it was nowhere near as hot at it was going to get later in the day 2) we were one of the first groups there so it wasn't overly crowded.<div><br /></div><div>Olympia is of course the site of the original Olympic Games, and our brilliant local guide walked and talked us through the history as we toured the site. Much of the site suffered after some earthquakes many years ago, but the archeologists are still there and still uncovering more of the area. We sayw the spot where the flam for the modern day Olympics is lit - quite a low key spot it has to be said, and the main stadium with grassy banks where the spectators (all men) sat. The original stone start and finish lines are still in place too. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YX5TOfyBf7utOZmsyWE6p7cGj50qaC5qA1gd9yuSyU3PqU9f-HW3xq7sUIR-U6Dh1mFS3eJnydMpcgf4FY-EoLTy5rAYT7CtaqtX8OoGtrVDUZZ1h2ySguApY_uM79WxGvScCCuaQz0mDMzCcXkGfBe1fr-Hm0f-zw4HQjfG09uK1SI4Dg/s4032/IMG_4785.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YX5TOfyBf7utOZmsyWE6p7cGj50qaC5qA1gd9yuSyU3PqU9f-HW3xq7sUIR-U6Dh1mFS3eJnydMpcgf4FY-EoLTy5rAYT7CtaqtX8OoGtrVDUZZ1h2ySguApY_uM79WxGvScCCuaQz0mDMzCcXkGfBe1fr-Hm0f-zw4HQjfG09uK1SI4Dg/s320/IMG_4785.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olympia<br />The site of the training hall</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0njZVtijIwQfgUVgci232Pika1WnnCRhj1o6aFOAzt0Ws3rJUavxr5YFZ8aTaYLpVSwuKIREcLfIIq-wOQ2A4A1oH0929bKKKu4jhM5TroUymvxPcNz7tm23yyfmTL99Ckb7osAa81pEgd8ZvfDRE9g_J4_iSYIxoQTGOqMuH4-weusgE2g/s3800/IMG_4796.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2850" data-original-width="3800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0njZVtijIwQfgUVgci232Pika1WnnCRhj1o6aFOAzt0Ws3rJUavxr5YFZ8aTaYLpVSwuKIREcLfIIq-wOQ2A4A1oH0929bKKKu4jhM5TroUymvxPcNz7tm23yyfmTL99Ckb7osAa81pEgd8ZvfDRE9g_J4_iSYIxoQTGOqMuH4-weusgE2g/s320/IMG_4796.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olympia<br />The main stadium</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ8X95f_qYex2oQVtPteqlcOoSlXdc5U8O7LajmWvwhzsd1rG2Y9K1OkopRYgkUCZdesTOcn__rksm9Nw_Z8MqL52WHObFjq2QqyX0Zk8YlXMTfHKAxaY2nyXGTNRIj5Abr6z4YNdBK2HWIrG0wcKwL6eeF828pXxCNZtbKhjq3--ZMl8Fvg/s4032/IMG_4798.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ8X95f_qYex2oQVtPteqlcOoSlXdc5U8O7LajmWvwhzsd1rG2Y9K1OkopRYgkUCZdesTOcn__rksm9Nw_Z8MqL52WHObFjq2QqyX0Zk8YlXMTfHKAxaY2nyXGTNRIj5Abr6z4YNdBK2HWIrG0wcKwL6eeF828pXxCNZtbKhjq3--ZMl8Fvg/s320/IMG_4798.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olympia<br />Anne on the stadium start line</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzL_DBiDA_CSSVIUj1whgmYIjvMjRPRTEBp2taUdgFi0LeSaBdVXc6_RlItrbMXiy_dWHzgDfWbfdx6kWzD_g0r6Y1dmP_BelhR8OiV_xIO903jlp1OLzndt68AkQTmRZnjqwWGHm6DzvRSc0dLvoMFeDzNssGbm5ZMC-BYogNmxdy0T6wXw/s4032/IMG_4801.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzL_DBiDA_CSSVIUj1whgmYIjvMjRPRTEBp2taUdgFi0LeSaBdVXc6_RlItrbMXiy_dWHzgDfWbfdx6kWzD_g0r6Y1dmP_BelhR8OiV_xIO903jlp1OLzndt68AkQTmRZnjqwWGHm6DzvRSc0dLvoMFeDzNssGbm5ZMC-BYogNmxdy0T6wXw/s320/IMG_4801.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Olympia<br />Our guide shows us the spot where the flame is lit for the modern Olympics</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>We also visited the on site archaeological museum where all the artefacts from the site are on display. It's a fascinating place and a marvellous insight to that period of time</div><div><br /></div><div>We then went on to an olive farm, where we tasted a variety of olive oils (and very tasty they were too), before having a lunch provided. It was great to have the opportunity to chat to some other passengers (Americans this time) over a meal, before the inevitable and obligatory bit of Greek dancing.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE-seoY_uK4GHVALK6H8cmEvTdMQC1pLCEPhAtzNseor44b45QEZfI1ywe8fsa25wD7zgiWTpLdLRIVWuh2_t4nDXXh5J0NhF_ls8GNhpM7gvqtA83SEckFo_eYy44jDZ6eoD7v097l_8BJDeaGJXn1Aj2lqpZ8tytduM5wC22XDHSJEoQmg/s4032/IMG_4813.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE-seoY_uK4GHVALK6H8cmEvTdMQC1pLCEPhAtzNseor44b45QEZfI1ywe8fsa25wD7zgiWTpLdLRIVWuh2_t4nDXXh5J0NhF_ls8GNhpM7gvqtA83SEckFo_eYy44jDZ6eoD7v097l_8BJDeaGJXn1Aj2lqpZ8tytduM5wC22XDHSJEoQmg/s320/IMG_4813.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bit of obligatory Greek dancing</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>We were back on the ship early afternoon, where we recovered from the heat with an afternoon bevvy, before the usual evening schedule of a meal, a show and some gentler late night entertainment in on of the bars.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMco8-IpjCyn2ukD74bIYEZ_lUfJtybz2_paocQSQ82eSYzB75HQnz5qFvy-fD9w1LEao55-ql2xBIdxLDC4GQXYl09nMuHbPyMl7ceCojcdgjUjxokSl6uLlL9GyTGthrQOnVFPFZxMIUc0N3JExdoQcKddqakMvVxXMq5DMRbBi84P0Msw/s4032/IMG_4821.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMco8-IpjCyn2ukD74bIYEZ_lUfJtybz2_paocQSQ82eSYzB75HQnz5qFvy-fD9w1LEao55-ql2xBIdxLDC4GQXYl09nMuHbPyMl7ceCojcdgjUjxokSl6uLlL9GyTGthrQOnVFPFZxMIUc0N3JExdoQcKddqakMvVxXMq5DMRbBi84P0Msw/s320/IMG_4821.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chilling our back on ship</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>This evenings dinner was a bit special, as we'd booked the posh restaurant <a href="https://www.celebritycruises.com/gb/things-to-do-onboard/eat-and-drink/restaurants-and-cafes/le-voyage" target="_blank">Le Voyage</a> by culinary ambassador Daniel Boulud. A bit extra dish but a fabulous taster menu in a small and cosy - almost exclusive restaurant.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKVzDx-6O5Pe3A173SaJPBj3dCIVPHDDrhPevMriM7A9cNBHCJhHep3hwQPSqiicxq1SwhFqmPUJpVI42jRnaxVwDskQU8MUyoEnB3gp54SGnFFy4IK1Z9JfFKzgbCm6jf9i65XvOrR3z0DaZruwbptjYI6TTod-zORsdU1HZohEqtKcWrA/s4032/IMG_4830.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHKVzDx-6O5Pe3A173SaJPBj3dCIVPHDDrhPevMriM7A9cNBHCJhHep3hwQPSqiicxq1SwhFqmPUJpVI42jRnaxVwDskQU8MUyoEnB3gp54SGnFFy4IK1Z9JfFKzgbCm6jf9i65XvOrR3z0DaZruwbptjYI6TTod-zORsdU1HZohEqtKcWrA/s320/IMG_4830.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About to tuck into dessert in Le Voyage</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhocVct1lrdHtbRGQ0ykTdXSfSN8GDvqWSeFc2mwqlXzEET5LWIZ5jcR-AHm5C_Upui-sQI1wAC2jI53l1vytc1PeKUOUl_3Lx8yyO6V94RUoDXKoE-cWXM_GdHHZDI3pXniOdnDVQAapYg1el8a9IB5pH0LNEjDlngM1ZcT0eS2DMqMLG_kQ/s4032/IMG_4781.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhocVct1lrdHtbRGQ0ykTdXSfSN8GDvqWSeFc2mwqlXzEET5LWIZ5jcR-AHm5C_Upui-sQI1wAC2jI53l1vytc1PeKUOUl_3Lx8yyO6V94RUoDXKoE-cWXM_GdHHZDI3pXniOdnDVQAapYg1el8a9IB5pH0LNEjDlngM1ZcT0eS2DMqMLG_kQ/s320/IMG_4781.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Captain Kate and her Exec team</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDqEXh-z4Lt_Har3GABdktLepSX5Umi__-Io9NAqZJYmMJlTywchOJfl7uIfImpOqCtQ20zcK30h51NGqjfDYok1UMzZCe0TTBmE-4WueOteHiPMv81QElzoY2alA1DL52Jw1CsIeGx5Q-g2f2lp89mmEsGzlJuil9mF-93LPyoPdgUBoryA/s4032/IMG_4847.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDqEXh-z4Lt_Har3GABdktLepSX5Umi__-Io9NAqZJYmMJlTywchOJfl7uIfImpOqCtQ20zcK30h51NGqjfDYok1UMzZCe0TTBmE-4WueOteHiPMv81QElzoY2alA1DL52Jw1CsIeGx5Q-g2f2lp89mmEsGzlJuil9mF-93LPyoPdgUBoryA/s320/IMG_4847.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pool deck is colourful at night</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>When we wake up tomorrow morning, we'll be in Corfu</div><div><br /></div><div>Intersting(ish) facts:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Celebrity Beyond can take about 3,260 passengers and has a working crew of around 1,230</li><li>It's maiden voyage was in April 2022</li><li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); color: #202122;">Like the other ships in the Edge class,<i> </i>Celebrity Beyond is fitted with the <a href="https://www.celebritycruises.com/gb/cruise-ships/celebrity-edge/onboard-experience/magic-carpet" target="_blank">Magic Carpet</a> tender </span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(32, 33, 34); color: #202122;">dock, designed to prevent hull collisions while anchored offshore. While sailing, the Magic Carpet is equipped with a bar and can be used as a patio.</span></span></li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div>Twitter: @Statto1927 <div>Mastodon: @simonhiscocks@toot.wales</div><div>Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/people/simon_hiscocks/ </div><div>Instagram: simon_hiscocks
<div><br /></div></div></div></div>Stattohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05101176230353582280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372129.post-24004127413043995292023-09-21T16:30:00.005+01:002023-09-22T14:35:43.120+01:00Mediterranean Cruise - Part 1: Departure<div>We're just back from a 10 night Mediterranean cruise to Italy, Croatia, Greece and Montenegro aboard the <a href="https://www.celebritycruises.com/cruise-ships/celebrity-beyond?icid=xplrsh_wrnssn_clb_hm_other_146" target="_blank">Celebrity Beyond</a>, and we've had a wonderful time. The next series of blog posts will hopefully give you some insight to our fabulous holiday.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20GmAnOpcW2_8p_ESMqPT3YumLuQ8Ncae1cS-dzbB8NQwmDbqLpmizPmWfpFXx38I6m_tTRGz_0IQPd5EilALIuy7Kxy9-oephb2LHBheNrnzUP4imdCqfk1oxvc2zif9Vm8_-enSk-9fVHEaqMRanVOnx1TpEHiXZRGB4OMtWaX55EQZ5w/s4032/IMG_4888.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20GmAnOpcW2_8p_ESMqPT3YumLuQ8Ncae1cS-dzbB8NQwmDbqLpmizPmWfpFXx38I6m_tTRGz_0IQPd5EilALIuy7Kxy9-oephb2LHBheNrnzUP4imdCqfk1oxvc2zif9Vm8_-enSk-9fVHEaqMRanVOnx1TpEHiXZRGB4OMtWaX55EQZ5w/s320/IMG_4888.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our ship in Corfu</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>This was our third cruise after sailing in the Caribbean in early 2018 and the Med last year, and our first "solo", as we'd previously been with our friends, who unfortunately had to cancel this one at the last minute. Both previous cruises have been with <a href="https://www.celebritycruises.com" target="_blank">Celebrity</a>, so we knew what we were getting - high quality, friendly service with superb facilities and destinations </div><div><br /></div><div>We'd originally planned to fly out to Rome (our departure port was <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civitavecchia" target="_blank">Civitavecchia</a> about an hour north of Rome) a day early, spend the night in Rome and transfer to our ship the next day. However, due to changes in plans when our friends couldn't make the trip, we decided to transfer straight to Civitavecchia from the airport (we've been to Rome a couple of times before <a href="https://stattos.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-eternal-city.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://stattos.blogspot.com/2022/06/med-cruise-part-1-day-1-getting-to-rome.html" target="_blank">here</a>). </div><div><br /></div><div>We booked an apartment for the night, and the <a href="https://www.easyjet.com/en/" target="_blank">easyJet</a> flight and transfer was nice and easy, although getting up at 2.30am for the drive to Bristol to catch our flight wasn't ideal!</div><div><br /></div><div>We dropped our suitcase at a mini-mart in the town via a pre-booking on the <a href="https://radicalstorage.com/?ac=532&subac=c:gad-to:en-ct:br-lt:ml&gclid=Cj0KCQjw06-oBhC6ARIsAGuzdw3H6JFl2ECDGQkbOdEuvHPsuy9cKT1HQA-VKGMgGxnMLDsMUzwcxEgaAmkWEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds" target="_blank">Radical Storage</a> website/app as we couldn't check in to our apartment until late afternoon. The process was easy, and although it seemed a bit iffy when we walked into the store to drop our bags, it all went rather well.</div><div><br /></div><div>We found a marvellous little restaurant just round the corner from our apartment called Il Conte Zio in a small piazza. We mostly picked this one because there were bunch of local guys sat in it - always a good sign in my opinion, although it turned out these must have been the owners/proprietors as they ended up serving us! Nevertheless after deciphering the menu (all in Italian) and trying my very basic language skills out we ordered and ate a very tasty meal. </div><div><br /></div><div>As an aside, although they spoke broken English, I believe making the attempt to speak in the local language anywhere in the world, will endear you to the locals, even if it's only, "please", "thank you", "can I have another beer please?" and "Can I have the bill please?". It worked here.... the guys gave us some of their mozzarella which they claimed to be the freshest and best in Italy, and I have to say, it was the tastiest mozzarella I've ever eaten. They were also talking to a couple of gents who arrived with a big box of bottles of olive oil, clearly deciding whether to buy - they did and then one of the chaps came over and said you must try this - brought out some more bread, drizzled the olive oil and cracked some salt over it. And my word, I could have eaten a whole plateful. So unlike any olive oil I've tasted anywhere else.</div><div><br /></div><div>Lunch and a couple of beers later, we wandered to the waterfront and had an beer where we ended up having a long conversation with a group of four Canadians who were on a day out from their cruise ship. It was lovely to chat with some people whilst whiling away an hour or two in a cafe, before picking up our cases and heading to our apartment.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCpYIsqOcdD9eneVDP87hfg3vrO9EPzgHiHjAuS5wwDh_pE-oUp-H5CPt2tTL5pfoVuwPfbQZpBO7YFJWNMNBUudJaY7yBzxiYcFiKZhTBDxNnFfVc9yTSKYUoMbXD0Df9d9ccNKVSuDKOFz65ghtfLhUmXEp8qk6Co7ATcuA5PJEj7Gk0Yw/s4032/IMG_4648.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCpYIsqOcdD9eneVDP87hfg3vrO9EPzgHiHjAuS5wwDh_pE-oUp-H5CPt2tTL5pfoVuwPfbQZpBO7YFJWNMNBUudJaY7yBzxiYcFiKZhTBDxNnFfVc9yTSKYUoMbXD0Df9d9ccNKVSuDKOFz65ghtfLhUmXEp8qk6Co7ATcuA5PJEj7Gk0Yw/s320/IMG_4648.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from our apartment!</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>Our apartment was on a side street. No view, but clean, comfortable and the host who messaged us to make sure all was ok was really helpful, and gave us several recommendations for eating dinner later. We took one of those recommendations on board and ate at <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/9c5x3pTs47LrHRSc7" target="_blank">Tre Pomodori</a> close to the marina where we watched a fabulous sunset whilst eating some delicious pizzas (more mozzarella!)<div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsp9rW6mzhUaHt2Ri6lWwy6X56neTN_V4kzhAO-iZG1mK9MUmb8bcwszB-W29R5AQBehj5s400_adMBdoAMljTvxvM7klrPNYgkSYCtCXpB5IIAh_3R5bhDVdy0MqbtsYHLgEF4h67xLWyarL-_yRmzZtCPNR07egUrNia1UYwAqsRoEhUzg/s4032/IMG_4654.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsp9rW6mzhUaHt2Ri6lWwy6X56neTN_V4kzhAO-iZG1mK9MUmb8bcwszB-W29R5AQBehj5s400_adMBdoAMljTvxvM7klrPNYgkSYCtCXpB5IIAh_3R5bhDVdy0MqbtsYHLgEF4h67xLWyarL-_yRmzZtCPNR07egUrNia1UYwAqsRoEhUzg/s320/IMG_4654.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Civitavecchia sunset</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinN9biltL4bKd_PS4EaviXT6ibjUnnCjt2P_eeWZCibftMUp0SgliuactA2oiNAEVbaBwbiZo8A4iTUznwJ7cjjZrt3jNfD9tA43of8bGs8Tn1rFJrxY70I2gyosoliKRv9_9CLU12CGj02SUZMwKxP0c65g8AnPxqkU1TMpROW_3dZT9bfQ/s4032/IMG_4662.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinN9biltL4bKd_PS4EaviXT6ibjUnnCjt2P_eeWZCibftMUp0SgliuactA2oiNAEVbaBwbiZo8A4iTUznwJ7cjjZrt3jNfD9tA43of8bGs8Tn1rFJrxY70I2gyosoliKRv9_9CLU12CGj02SUZMwKxP0c65g8AnPxqkU1TMpROW_3dZT9bfQ/s320/IMG_4662.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When in Rome (or Civitavecchia anyway)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>Having eaten about 3lbs of mozzarella in one day we walked back to our apartment via the same piazza where we ate lunch, and stopped in a small and unprepossessing bar for a cocktail before heading to bed. We weren't due to be at the ship before 12pm the next day, but we had to be out of the apartment by 9.30am so at least we had a slight lie in!</div><div><br /></div><div>Out of the apartment the next day, we'd decided (or rather I had) that it was only a shortish walk to the cruise terminal, so rather than get a taxi we hauled our cases down to the watering and a cafe. We grabbed a coffee and sat and watched the world go by for a while before making our way to the ship.</div><div><br /></div><div>The good news is that we made it. The less good news is that it was very hot, and although the cruise terminal looked near, it was actually further than it looked! Mrs H didn't quite death stare me as we got to the terminal, but it was a close run thing! Getting on board was a breeze having checked in online beforehand. We dropped our bags, and went through security and were on board in less than 10 minutes. </div><div><br /></div><div>After paying an quick and obligatory visit to our muster station (you have to physically visit you muster station, but all the info can be read and done online via Celebrity's impressive cruise app on your phone) we legged it to the Sunset Bar at the back of the ship for a first on board drink. After that we picked up our sea passes adjacent to our stateroom, (a bit like a credit card that you have to have with you at all times - including every time you order a drink. We met our brilliant stateroom attendant Putu, from Bali who advised us there was a lunch being served in one of the main restaurant so off we went for a lovely lunch and a glass of wine. (Can you see a theme developing here?). Put was superb throughout the cruise,. He worked so hard and nothing, nothing at all was too much trouble for him.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then it was back to our stateroom to unpack, before wandering around the ship, watching other passengers arriving, before we set sail at 5pm. Just before we sailed, we got a welcome message over the speakers fro our ship's captain, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiV0vDc_ruBAxXEVkEAHZ-cA50QFnoECCUQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fcaptainkatemccue%2F%3Fhl%3Den&usg=AOvVaw1-VNCvD3l_G04UylrF4B-A&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Kate McCue</a> - yes a lady captain! [Link is to her Instagram page].</div><div>Celebrity's first female command and one with over 27 years experience at sea. As an aside, she also has over 3.5 million followers on Tik Tok, and has an onboard cat (more of that in a later post!).</div><div><br /></div><div>As we sailed from Civitavecchia, we were accompanied by a pod of dolphins - fabulous. As the early cruise vibe picked up, we dressed for dinner (no black ties stuff here - smart casual the order of the day) and headed to one of the four main dining restaurants for a three course dinner and wine. Here we caught up with one of my golfing buddies, his wife and two friends who completely unknown to me at the time, had booked the same cruise! Following this we took in the first of the show with magician Matt Johnson who was introduced by the extrovert, and wildly amusingArgentinian <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjG1aOZgryBAxXOVEEAHUmwBVAQFnoECBIQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fcruisedirectoralejandro%2F&usg=AOvVaw3cJsKNboR4YQjPHRepkAqz&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Cruise Director Alejandro Tortorelli</a> [Instgram link]. He was by far and away the best of the three cruise director's we've experienced on our three cruises so far. Absolutely brilliant! </div><div><br /></div><div>After the excitement of the show, we headed to a quieter bar for a final cocktail before retiring. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZV3RlVEmBIRNoYdgWXBBO0HWTTjymyampZqG17IbwaLyleI0qOMb7Katw-E-pc5Z2aYgbaUC5I2IqkAj970PBqjf-TON_a2dGNYz6d6ezXl9rXGCqUimix4DJEJjHZDLdv7y_o0s0cyJSG3_VMfAnSiyQMjPuDsoxQnVlRVoDEtMlQq7VVw/s4032/IMG_4692.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZV3RlVEmBIRNoYdgWXBBO0HWTTjymyampZqG17IbwaLyleI0qOMb7Katw-E-pc5Z2aYgbaUC5I2IqkAj970PBqjf-TON_a2dGNYz6d6ezXl9rXGCqUimix4DJEJjHZDLdv7y_o0s0cyJSG3_VMfAnSiyQMjPuDsoxQnVlRVoDEtMlQq7VVw/s320/IMG_4692.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrity Beyond's theatre</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>Tomorrow is a sea day, and as well as a behind the scenes tour we would be passing the volcano of Stromboli and passing through the Strait of Messina between the toe of Italy and Sicily.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our destination port is Katakolon, the port for Olympia in Greece, where we had an excursion booked. But that's over 24 hours away...</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5H2PLvTQrrgMNYLkm0XO0K5S2m1BWdFDOi8obHc1jubhMNst59P6OwvVTYeIlR0sJF9QNrTaGUczqGZzbJDtYQasEyvGQ1iVXp0SS6wSVCSn6Xy4wlCG-cGrqZ9abfC5ecVc4jr7LWHrfUs3ixcwaxhIc34pm9SLaeTRpqBWpExCEVgy8w/s4032/IMG_4701.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5H2PLvTQrrgMNYLkm0XO0K5S2m1BWdFDOi8obHc1jubhMNst59P6OwvVTYeIlR0sJF9QNrTaGUczqGZzbJDtYQasEyvGQ1iVXp0SS6wSVCSn6Xy4wlCG-cGrqZ9abfC5ecVc4jr7LWHrfUs3ixcwaxhIc34pm9SLaeTRpqBWpExCEVgy8w/s320/IMG_4701.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Following the MSC Divina out to sea - she's going out backwards<br />Cunard's Queen Victoria (left) still moored</td></tr></tbody></table><div><div><br /></div><div><b>Useful (perhaps) food and drink facts/information</b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Celebrity Beyond has 4 main dining restaurants each with a slightly different theme. Tuscan (Italian), Normandie (French), Cyprus (Greek/Turkish) and Cosmopolitan (American). Each has a menu with three sections, with starters, main (or entrees as they call them) and desserts. 1) Their own themed dishes. 2) Celebrity Signature dishes - the same across all four restaurants but the dishes change every night) 3) Celebrity Regulars Salmon, steak, chicken for the less adventurous.</li><li>There's also a huge buffet restaurant, the "Oceanview" as well as some smaller snack options including a coffee/cake place</li><li>There are a number of other "speciality" restraints throughout the ship that are available either at extra charge or dependent on the level of package you've booked. </li><li>There are loads of bars including a martini bar, a craft beer bar - plenty to keep everyone happy.</li><li>Our booking included the "classic" beverage package that included drinks up to $10 per serving (ie bottle of beer, glass of wine, etc). As a cost guide, a 330ml bottle of Heineken was listed at $9 so that was fine. A 330ml bottle of Peroni was listed at $11 so I'd have to have paid an additional $1.20 (indulging a further 20% gratuity). Wines were limited at $10 an under but sufficient for our needs. Upgrading to a premium drinks package would have cost us over $80 PER PERSON PER DAY and we'd both have had to have the package. You can't do it on an individual basis. SO toy need to think carefully about how much you're gong to drink over the curse of the cruise.</li></ul></div><div>You can find a much bigger selection of our cruise photos on <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/simon_hiscocks/albums" target="_blank">my Flickr pages</a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Twitter: @Statto1927 <br />Mastodon: <span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(40, 44, 55); color: #282c37; white-space: nowrap;">@</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(40, 44, 55); color: #282c37; white-space: nowrap;">simonhiscocks@toot.wales<br /></span>Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/people/simon_hiscocks/ <br />Instagram: simon_hiscocks
</span></div></div>Stattohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05101176230353582280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372129.post-81129040571232500122023-09-02T11:32:00.010+01:002023-09-02T11:39:23.873+01:00A week of firsts<div>It's quite curious. </div><div><br /></div><div>I've lived in Cardiff since December 1980 when I first came to the city to do my nurse training at <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwis-6Kl24uBAxXTHsAKHcSMAEIQFnoECDUQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FUniversity_Hospital_of_Wales&usg=AOvVaw1C_RVhAdPL96gjc3g0pDpj&opi=89978449" target="_blank">UHW</a> (that's another story from a long time ago). So ticking over 43 years this year. But there are places around the areas where I've lived in that time (some close some less so) that I've never been to. Three of those were ticked off this week.</div><div><br /></div><div>The first two were <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwidr_zE24uBAxVdQEEAHT4IA1UQFnoECBQQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bryngarwcountrypark.co.uk%2F&usg=AOvVaw1UM0UBULJNc7Nwo9HpBUGZ&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Bryngarw Country Park</a> and <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjpxIzR24uBAxVGQEEAHcp4Dn4QFnoECHIQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fseearoundbritain.com%2Fvenues%2Fmap-ref-seems-wrong-added-name-to-viewpoint-bwlch-mountain-viewpoint-south-of-treorchy-os-938946-rhondda-cynon-taf&usg=AOvVaw1soQKXdGpKqTlaHcEVj370&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Bwlch mountain</a>. Mrs H was ruminating on somewhere to go out for a few hours that was not one of our usual haunts - Penarth, Barry Island, Ogmore, Cosmeston, Roath Park etc) and we spied Bryngarw County Park on Google Maps. Sitting a few miles outside Bridgend it fulfilled all the right criteria. Not too far, gentle walks, some water (a river) and a cafe.</div><div><br /></div><div>£3.50 parking for the day (not that we were likely to spend a whole day there) seemed reasonable, and we set off walking one of the trails, alongside the Afon Garw before heading away from the river into the woods. It was a pleasant wander on a decent day (for a change). There were plenty of folks about (it was still school holidays) but didn't feel crowded. The cafe adjacent to the visitor centre was stocked well enough with cakes, sandwiches and of course coffee options. A pleasant, and different place for a stroll, and we'll probably be back at some point.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFxFPnZaGODBtyzf-5Z-Sk8M3ekbbZ9OR8OkBY_HvLLdOhKd2S0be4tT8kxbp0Vi6s8XjqT2DMwh386nWSgUHKKb-qRwgfkGxFhckzeGvb9Y0f9MGwFDznINqHiug6QQ8T_Q739TP7np72RTcBmHjX6tiuj-haNuoqfIZcFKmRvoL0OC0KTg/s4032/FullSizeRender.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFxFPnZaGODBtyzf-5Z-Sk8M3ekbbZ9OR8OkBY_HvLLdOhKd2S0be4tT8kxbp0Vi6s8XjqT2DMwh386nWSgUHKKb-qRwgfkGxFhckzeGvb9Y0f9MGwFDznINqHiug6QQ8T_Q739TP7np72RTcBmHjX6tiuj-haNuoqfIZcFKmRvoL0OC0KTg/s320/FullSizeRender.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Afon Garw in Bryngarw Country Park</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWB4cgvXFGRp4tp3obE2lPyHWxyqPb_O9WQr27L0T5pcSoF166yuC-tGgJ0Y8db1pqqbWT2-l_CXVOOZm8NYqbb3-MQs1J2ujsrGA60wmcBItC4ljrPfCqlICziNfG6qxJR61WuJ-w4FAmBNNsN8NHQEBNYXOOhTVfC6CPjKy-KvMQv6u3GA/s4032/IMG_4539.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWB4cgvXFGRp4tp3obE2lPyHWxyqPb_O9WQr27L0T5pcSoF166yuC-tGgJ0Y8db1pqqbWT2-l_CXVOOZm8NYqbb3-MQs1J2ujsrGA60wmcBItC4ljrPfCqlICziNfG6qxJR61WuJ-w4FAmBNNsN8NHQEBNYXOOhTVfC6CPjKy-KvMQv6u3GA/s320/IMG_4539.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oriental Garden in Bryngarw Country Park</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><i>Note: Although the paths are generally well marked, and reasonably maintained, there are some muddier trails, so if going when the weather is or has been inclement, walking shoes/or boots (or wellies) are recommended.</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Have expended a couple of hours wandering in Bryngarw County Park we decided on a whim to take a drive northwards towards the hills of the valleys. A few miles along the A4062 heading towards Nant-y-moel we saw a sign for "Viewpoint. Who doesn't love a viewpoint? </div><div><br /></div><div>So we followed the signed though Blackmill, Lewistown, Ogmore Vale to Nant-y-moel (all places I've never been - or if I have I don't remember them). The sizeable hills appearing in front of us were clearly where we were aiming for, and sure enough in Nant-y-moel we turned right up a steep road to the viewpoint which turned out to be at the top of Bwlch mountain. I'd seen this on maps (I devour maps) and always thought it would be a good place to go, and here I was, albeit quite unintentionally.</div><div><br /></div><div>At the viewpoint was a handily placed ice cream van - well it would be rude not to. Eating our ice creams we surveyed the superb views. South back to Ogmore Vale and Bridgend, with the Bristol Channel and the hills of Exmoor in the far distance. North beyond the wind turbines to the distant summits of <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwi-r5_324uBAxWjVUEAHUp7CXYQFnoECBYQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FCorn_Du&usg=AOvVaw1zsHKxW8eDP6EsqBvVFRIx&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Corn Ddu</a> and <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwic_OSB3IuBAxVbiVwKHbHrC-8QFnoECGEQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FPen_y_Fan&usg=AOvVaw0GQzXZdx73Ox5yS5IQKUbE&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Pen y Fan</a>, and east, steeply down into the valley towards Cwm Parc and Treorchy. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjssprVij3oIdGT50O-POKnCemIPwImR7gLd-TTGpzc7x0nRwubirmamoyFjmb1X_fzlgcq067THK_j9SGnfHcjiEa0z2Sk-gHbCgvu2aUQ2HDUKkM2VPHiCDwighNBdkkWW5SbIeP2g25RupYYa2qNlP4EGMcahIIr89-K221YssU712YbGw/s5479/53151963967_425f88557d_o.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="5479" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjssprVij3oIdGT50O-POKnCemIPwImR7gLd-TTGpzc7x0nRwubirmamoyFjmb1X_fzlgcq067THK_j9SGnfHcjiEa0z2Sk-gHbCgvu2aUQ2HDUKkM2VPHiCDwighNBdkkWW5SbIeP2g25RupYYa2qNlP4EGMcahIIr89-K221YssU712YbGw/s320/53151963967_425f88557d_o.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corn Ddu (L) and Pen y Fan (R) from Bwlch mountain</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEl1JJGRdBSuOu_KOGgJu8VamyY0fXVcEEOrASMiLOCXZz3P_k4O6oC5exdap1XEbp-B8iS8O8_B74nj7jJz76K1VEd85PXgbQ8zTjhRX08O_rpIhgVILjJxtneXEb-23zevYKZcAedCAe-SXoaPJz4cd7ffk2o06LwRq7trcGmTP4af8I5w/s4860/53151963982_a1b804f027_o.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3642" data-original-width="4860" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEl1JJGRdBSuOu_KOGgJu8VamyY0fXVcEEOrASMiLOCXZz3P_k4O6oC5exdap1XEbp-B8iS8O8_B74nj7jJz76K1VEd85PXgbQ8zTjhRX08O_rpIhgVILjJxtneXEb-23zevYKZcAedCAe-SXoaPJz4cd7ffk2o06LwRq7trcGmTP4af8I5w/s320/53151963982_a1b804f027_o.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The road down towards Nantymoel</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiejuB4Opzzvcbk0TEgU-HwYNs5MHbmE04x0y9AvCPNT8X3bbORtGejTZcc7-gTA3tAGI-TdknFzuGG2RyEJyOfHBEm3Eu_DTGEohJCxJ06u4XVUz-gWRzJ-42B5aji52N8NsOxd5sMsxgROZGT13d__Usnh8olTfHwwXM1374cfpC0P6LMMg/s4860/53152744854_2b5270a97a_o.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3646" data-original-width="4860" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiejuB4Opzzvcbk0TEgU-HwYNs5MHbmE04x0y9AvCPNT8X3bbORtGejTZcc7-gTA3tAGI-TdknFzuGG2RyEJyOfHBEm3Eu_DTGEohJCxJ06u4XVUz-gWRzJ-42B5aji52N8NsOxd5sMsxgROZGT13d__Usnh8olTfHwwXM1374cfpC0P6LMMg/s320/53152744854_2b5270a97a_o.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cwm Parc and Treorchy</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGAm9mT2wpzPuPt3mRRZUKz0zL2V1I-7dxLzBNJI8QuBVUfk9af-czpbU1LjcHYuQ3zI_mT9kps1VdKJ_gUhFBsMTxhCIi43e5dgr_djFwwGG4JRoTCvIddRiD5n6jWsY-vp1CXflmCU_A9VHmXyTzj8Hd_eh-SPaQ0qQpqwwHCtDYwniOfA/s4431/53152966860_d17331c5f3_o.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3439" data-original-width="4431" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGAm9mT2wpzPuPt3mRRZUKz0zL2V1I-7dxLzBNJI8QuBVUfk9af-czpbU1LjcHYuQ3zI_mT9kps1VdKJ_gUhFBsMTxhCIi43e5dgr_djFwwGG4JRoTCvIddRiD5n6jWsY-vp1CXflmCU_A9VHmXyTzj8Hd_eh-SPaQ0qQpqwwHCtDYwniOfA/s320/53152966860_d17331c5f3_o.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cymru am Byth<br />Welcome to the Valleys!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2hN8eDd4_YSHbZil3rpCccMuPAeWdryZDhW2Kni5l2r8S1-1_tZfbK9erR7I5yL1ESrogc8RvikaLYHKRF7QTEYC42cn6-sc_LSEqKGku1cV2MZ8SKslZpI1Qy_Mm9LTVvoPnlEElzqeiQLMSwwllVaCbu3qYzVxdBUk10Tguf3LS7fiMvQ/s3941/IMG_4547.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2956" data-original-width="3941" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2hN8eDd4_YSHbZil3rpCccMuPAeWdryZDhW2Kni5l2r8S1-1_tZfbK9erR7I5yL1ESrogc8RvikaLYHKRF7QTEYC42cn6-sc_LSEqKGku1cV2MZ8SKslZpI1Qy_Mm9LTVvoPnlEElzqeiQLMSwwllVaCbu3qYzVxdBUk10Tguf3LS7fiMvQ/s320/IMG_4547.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South towards Ogmore Vale and the Bristol Channel</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>I have to say if there are many better views in South Wales, I don't know where you'll find them.</div><div><br /></div><div>Not content with having found a couple of places we'd never been before already this week, as the weather warmed up yesterday we decided to go for a stroll at <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjX49KQ3IuBAxXIWkEAHT-vAjMQFnoECCcQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FGileston&usg=AOvVaw0ogWmJJd4sMhBlYk33Ky6e&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Gileston</a>, on the coast just west of Aberthaw. We frequently walk the path east of the old decommissioned <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjtgZyl3IuBAxU5TUEAHU4aCRIQFnoECBEQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FAberthaw_power_stations&usg=AOvVaw12rw7sabsbxNX4c0ePqQNB&opi=89978449" target="_blank">power station</a> and have walked further west at and beyond Llantwit Major, but never this bit known as Limpert Bay even though it's less than 10 miles from home.</div><div><br /></div><div>Turning left off the B2465 at St Athan, we drove down a single track road through the hamlet of Gileston past <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjX49KQ3IuBAxXIWkEAHT-vAjMQFnoECCoQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fgilestonmanor.co.uk%2F&usg=AOvVaw0bFqNZ3tNgPB-u3IXoRnqb&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Gileston Manor</a> (apparently one of THE places for weddings in the area) to a rough car park (free) adjacent to the power station and the beach. When I say beach - it's a rocky foreshore with a pebble bank, like much of this part of the coast, but great for exploring and rock pooling.</div><div><br /></div><div>We wandered west along the signed <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjQ6OXe3IuBAxVZU0EAHfskBvAQFnoECB0QAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walescoastpath.gov.uk%2F%3Flang%3Den&usg=AOvVaw1RqHObrwZeUvEQYLu60u3S&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Wales coast path</a> for about a mile. A mix of rocky path, hedgerows and saltwater creeks line the way although the footpath is well defined (although damp in places). There are rabbits aplenty, and fish - possibly mullet in the creeks. Old military defences line the pebble bank, concrete cubes - presumably anti-tank defences abound, with some clever painted. One is painted to look like a Rubik's cube, and two other to resemble a pair of dice! A couple of pill boxes are sunk into the pebble bank suggesting that someone at least thought this might be a spot for invading forces.</div><div><br /></div><div>We walked back to the car park along the flat rocks and pebbles of the beach (the tide was way out). It's an interesting geology with flat rock interspersed with ridges against which boulders have been rolled by the sea over the years in a repeating pattern.</div><div><br /></div><div>Certainly a new and interesting place for a walk, and one which is probably worth a look in all seasons of the year.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOKfB2q2WpK4alsqPgRsxtD0cVZLHijiGF78RfRFdCvllJcw8Gm8-0l_pKP8LPdSjLW8q3-nu4jDXBOb4cyvgN78UlQiSsG6JP5HIm2fhr5qcVqnxLqQB9fd2YkNpinoFZKkKNgV31Ffu67otiJFj3pE2iEnsPKOaLQUVnMj0xTxe6g87JLQ/s5005/Aberthaw%20Power%20Station.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3490" data-original-width="5005" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOKfB2q2WpK4alsqPgRsxtD0cVZLHijiGF78RfRFdCvllJcw8Gm8-0l_pKP8LPdSjLW8q3-nu4jDXBOb4cyvgN78UlQiSsG6JP5HIm2fhr5qcVqnxLqQB9fd2YkNpinoFZKkKNgV31Ffu67otiJFj3pE2iEnsPKOaLQUVnMj0xTxe6g87JLQ/s320/Aberthaw%20Power%20Station.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creek and Aberthaw Power Station</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7Qhg-nvYyxxhaBOMnSMW6AuU0AzIww-lh0Qv5UXHhGrLTiAnHE2Tk7fjRdlQG9be2o5MSaAm9eVfOU9hgmzRY6F5dwxykX3uTkZQ1owVu25KZu40YLrYyokw0YkqpcIoDO9KRaHHyaGo-g--JW1MbeJfbgraZGDrOax39M1DVrA7ZA6xsg/s4562/Gileston%20creek%20and%20fields.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3650" data-original-width="4562" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip7Qhg-nvYyxxhaBOMnSMW6AuU0AzIww-lh0Qv5UXHhGrLTiAnHE2Tk7fjRdlQG9be2o5MSaAm9eVfOU9hgmzRY6F5dwxykX3uTkZQ1owVu25KZu40YLrYyokw0YkqpcIoDO9KRaHHyaGo-g--JW1MbeJfbgraZGDrOax39M1DVrA7ZA6xsg/s320/Gileston%20creek%20and%20fields.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tank traps and creeks</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgia-_swNSGZPD-fDlHoFJqkIqhzPVcd0f4TWWLQ2sH06FOnHog1Q-SshC62W0jnpoXZ9QYM_g0z7_A_-RU-0w2acFi3MTnFToGhRVizOVHBt8QsNlGZcMtqmvp2l4jFyWLuyYu-UEiXjUcWcnbE-wtY3i4-BVfKbRr1VyhMv0T0P7RpBOXLQ/s4032/IMG_4559.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgia-_swNSGZPD-fDlHoFJqkIqhzPVcd0f4TWWLQ2sH06FOnHog1Q-SshC62W0jnpoXZ9QYM_g0z7_A_-RU-0w2acFi3MTnFToGhRVizOVHBt8QsNlGZcMtqmvp2l4jFyWLuyYu-UEiXjUcWcnbE-wtY3i4-BVfKbRr1VyhMv0T0P7RpBOXLQ/s320/IMG_4559.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Footpath</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFLPk7jNnxDUFoVv6VNRtvDbgm1BT7JBY_hTYa2WEQZd7vWrotXk5_QRlMGIOU_HFv0rOFQ3tGK1niGa8xpPMaVbU6bywX8vKIWxoOR0uQHpoDROy7dYoDpu6RlKJaheeuF4jTgdP_O84OksrxcQrUcOnkG5yYHH5C1fGeZQeH2bPLmlTlw/s4032/IMG_4564.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFLPk7jNnxDUFoVv6VNRtvDbgm1BT7JBY_hTYa2WEQZd7vWrotXk5_QRlMGIOU_HFv0rOFQ3tGK1niGa8xpPMaVbU6bywX8vKIWxoOR0uQHpoDROy7dYoDpu6RlKJaheeuF4jTgdP_O84OksrxcQrUcOnkG5yYHH5C1fGeZQeH2bPLmlTlw/s320/IMG_4564.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Limpert Bay</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfDkmSlN5OaS2docWl9bcWu2fsDc5A3yPnQFtut-st47auz-lvGuG3UfN9WbTAX0p4NCRI4M7NztdnLSeAd_sWXuFIFuZv7WdpO1K9x1W9B3KGijWjD9xiadujCouy5QeyQrks3-SqdJOZF6tbP16mGkGNbB5C7_Ob9ApBaht_VxRF5P_ByQ/s4858/Rubiks%20Cube%20and%20Dice%203.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3635" data-original-width="4858" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfDkmSlN5OaS2docWl9bcWu2fsDc5A3yPnQFtut-st47auz-lvGuG3UfN9WbTAX0p4NCRI4M7NztdnLSeAd_sWXuFIFuZv7WdpO1K9x1W9B3KGijWjD9xiadujCouy5QeyQrks3-SqdJOZF6tbP16mGkGNbB5C7_Ob9ApBaht_VxRF5P_ByQ/s320/Rubiks%20Cube%20and%20Dice%203.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rubiks Cube and Dice</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div>Twitter: @Statto1927 <div>Mastodon: <span face="mastodon-font-sans-serif, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(40, 44, 55); color: #282c37; font-size: 15px; white-space: nowrap;">@</span><span face="mastodon-font-sans-serif, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(40, 44, 55); color: #282c37; font-size: 15px; white-space: nowrap;">simonhiscocks@toot.wales</span><br /><div>Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/people/simon_hiscocks/ </div><div>Instagram: simon_hiscocks</div></div>Stattohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05101176230353582280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372129.post-64879796840052731292023-08-03T14:45:00.001+01:002023-08-14T14:41:04.540+01:00Saving a few bob from Sky & O2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivHLZbaUEe7DKg22zTgCsYoduJf7nV7qFLOP2nVUmEutFxgKshrv0W9knkJyzoNMQRDvIN00UFl30Y8xSWoyPC83HfkKJ-LlcdzviJFPPtBurYOaFRL3Q0eDIGZG6YEvogzGyubaYw3iLcaOKMPfGFd9ThxI0ORzFuqwWagopRnZttqOV5qg/s287/images-2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="176" data-original-width="287" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivHLZbaUEe7DKg22zTgCsYoduJf7nV7qFLOP2nVUmEutFxgKshrv0W9knkJyzoNMQRDvIN00UFl30Y8xSWoyPC83HfkKJ-LlcdzviJFPPtBurYOaFRL3Q0eDIGZG6YEvogzGyubaYw3iLcaOKMPfGFd9ThxI0ORzFuqwWagopRnZttqOV5qg/s1600/images-2.jpeg" width="287" /></a></div><br /><div>I've been a Sky customer a long time. 21 years to be precise. </div><div><br /></div><div>Originally I took the plunge because cricket, especially test cricket had moved to Sky from terrestrial TV and Mrs H got fed up of me moaning that I couldn't watch my favourite sport on TV. And football, and golf and Formula 1.... and we use use Sky for our internet provider.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyhow to cut a long story short(er), although the offerings from Sky are great, they cost a lot of money. And somehow even when you take out or renew a contract, they still manage to put up prices "in-contract" (it's in their T&C).</div><div><br /></div><div>It's always worth giving them a call periodically though to see if they can lop off a few quid here or there, and some say threatening to cancel has reaped dividends, but it's not always the case. But there's nothing to lose by asking is there?</div><div><br /></div><div>So with my monthly Sky bill rocketing, and due to go up again in a couple of months I rang them up to see what they could do.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well on my first call we managed to sort out a significant saving, although that was dependent on me getting some reassurance that cancelling one of the services (multi-screen - where I have a second box to watch TV in another room) didn't affect our ability to stream sky programmes via the Sky Go app to our iOS devices. You dogged the ability to do this concurrently to 2 devices, but you can use up to 4 devices concurrently when subscribed to Sky multiroom. Handy when we're away from the TV on holiday etc.</div><div><br /></div><div>However, despite getting confirmation of this from the agent, on checking my future bills online later, it appeared that Multiscreen hadn't in fact been cancelled.</div><div><br /></div><div>Cue a second call to Sky. The second agent told me the service indeed had not been cancelled, apologised but then confirmed that I did need to continue that to keep watching via Sky Go on more than 2 concurrent devices as set out above.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, I agreed that I'd keep Multiscreen....</div><div><br /></div><div>...until I checked online for my future bills and found that the agent had in fact cancelled it!</div><div><br /></div><div>Much gnashing of teeth ensued and a third call to Sky was made this morning, where a very nice and apparently much better informed agent sorted me out, managed to shave another tenner off in the process and waived a previous admin charge.</div><div><br /></div><div>All in all I've been able to shave about £15 a month off my monthly bill without any reduction in services, so it's worth a call.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>UPDATE:</b></div><div><b>You can probably scrub a lot of the above. Following further gnashing of teeth (I've barely any left now), it turns out that you DO need a Sky Multiscreen subscription to access content (including your recordings) via the Sky Go app, and Sky Go Extra alone will not allow this. However, the nice lady in the Tech Support team did at least offer me an 18 month subscription at £8pm rather than the usual £15pm. </b></div><div><b>So the long and short of it is that I've managed to shave off barely a fiver from my monthly Sky outgoings and had three frustrating and one successful call to Sky along the way.</b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXQdJEUmjFpBhaUH1ukAVlbGeXzpib2R3FDXAiDJz2enJTlYl0_71wjwVkcwfUYIAOxFBeVksvS1AcnT0EE-nE5M1DPl8hJTwW962_6NRfyntu73YxihM_y3NQsAFotD2_fa53ckrowX7PUmZsqQoHmo0SVr_-z6ysWUWEM4noETZ_quHuQ/s1704/o2.jpg.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1278" data-original-width="1704" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXQdJEUmjFpBhaUH1ukAVlbGeXzpib2R3FDXAiDJz2enJTlYl0_71wjwVkcwfUYIAOxFBeVksvS1AcnT0EE-nE5M1DPl8hJTwW962_6NRfyntu73YxihM_y3NQsAFotD2_fa53ckrowX7PUmZsqQoHmo0SVr_-z6ysWUWEM4noETZ_quHuQ/s320/o2.jpg.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>Now I was on a roll (I'm a poor pensioner after all 😄) so I contacted O2 to see if I could get a cheaper phone tariff, because the only ones they were offering me online appeared to be more expensive ones.</div><div><br /></div><div>The long and the short of it after a bit of faffing, is that instead of paying just over £23 a month on a rolling monthly contract, I'm getting the same service (10GB data, unlimited calls and texts) on a 12 month contract for £10, so almost 60% cheaper for the same service.</div><div><br /></div><div>So today I've managed to knock £28 a month of my monthly bills. The moral of this post is I guess that it pays to at least ask the question of these companies...</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy saving folks.....</div><div><br /></div>Twitter: @Statto1927 <div>Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/people/simon_hiscocks/ </div><div>Instagram: simon_hiscocks
</div>Stattohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05101176230353582280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372129.post-58670422984341342072023-08-02T14:30:00.003+01:002023-08-02T14:30:22.650+01:00Cardiff City Arcades Tour<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN1BQZcOWI-1Hy0POSwowTHU5knPCBufwqLlTvrxPSEXG6pcbqSjgX0OkvabDTL6ohIot98HxUlOWWrv6cXkQKD4T5JBLcZ56DZPlMcJjFb8ecVuin4d0yR6VBceZHsouuU6Jf2VsIsWWfAlfZbwimZ6dtzDMq3edJidzTuF4Gk1KHiH6pHw/s2048/53088636640_20bec051a6_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1414" data-original-width="2048" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN1BQZcOWI-1Hy0POSwowTHU5knPCBufwqLlTvrxPSEXG6pcbqSjgX0OkvabDTL6ohIot98HxUlOWWrv6cXkQKD4T5JBLcZ56DZPlMcJjFb8ecVuin4d0yR6VBceZHsouuU6Jf2VsIsWWfAlfZbwimZ6dtzDMq3edJidzTuF4Gk1KHiH6pHw/s320/53088636640_20bec051a6_k.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morgan Arcade</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Twitter (I stubbornly refuse to call it "X") gets a bad wrap, often rightly, both because of the bananas management of the platform by its owner, and the toxicity amongst certain of it's user base. However, follow the right people and it's a trove of information and news. Recently I saw a tweet from <a href="https://twitter.com/ILovesTheDiff?s=20" target="_blank">@ILovesTheDiff</a> an account that tweets all things Cardiff about a chap that runs free walking tours of Cardiff variously taking in the City, it's arcades, Cardiff Bay, Dr Who locations and more. This is <a href="https://www.fogosfreetours.com" target="_blank">Fogos Free Tours</a>, and interest piqued I promptly booked me and Mrs H onto an Arcade Tour.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGOjWMxYCmZ0SGGcDIgIsoEhYMWuws4l26B73roGTMwCH1Ylgl1yEXc7XvB5YHiPewQ4NwuOTJ-6PlCDqEBU7ZSzf9jadXbREatYcXWVTv-sbjnvG8zNcRdEg5xIO3qj-rcKRXDVOYvHP4EogoP94vXgX3KBZwk0gNSiwxozmIK7OY9_bbw/s2868/IMG_4188.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2868" data-original-width="2144" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGOjWMxYCmZ0SGGcDIgIsoEhYMWuws4l26B73roGTMwCH1Ylgl1yEXc7XvB5YHiPewQ4NwuOTJ-6PlCDqEBU7ZSzf9jadXbREatYcXWVTv-sbjnvG8zNcRdEg5xIO3qj-rcKRXDVOYvHP4EogoP94vXgX3KBZwk0gNSiwxozmIK7OY9_bbw/s320/IMG_4188.jpeg" width="239" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eugene "Fogo" Fogarty, our tour guide at the John Batchelor statue</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>There's no cost, although I think it's entirely reasonable that tips are given at the end of the tour and very much appreciated if you've enjoyed the experience. Online booking confirmation and a 24 reminder were promptly received by email along with instructions of where to meet up for this roughly 2 hour tour.</div><div><br /></div><div>On the appointed date we gathered by the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Batchelor_(politician)" target="_blank">John Batchelor</a> statue in the Hays at 2pm as requested, along with about 10 others. Eugene, or Fogo, was ready and waiting in his trademark green t shirt and green umbrella (although it wasn't raining, but always prepared!)</div><div><br /></div><div>After waiting a few minutes for 3 no shows we set off. Fogo an experienced walking guide from his time in other cities led us on an up and down journey of the Victorian arcades. Despite having lived in (or very near) to Cardiff since 1980 and my wife who is Cardiff born and bred both agreed that we often taken the architecture and history for granted as we listened as Fogo gave us some known but lots of unknown information about the existing arcades, and some that are no longer around, having been built over, or demolished. For example, have you ever heard of Dickens Arcade? It's more commonly known now as Revolution! Or that there's a street of houses behind one of the arcades, hidden from view that housed hundreds of people back in the early days of Cardiff's massive growth as a city.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8xc99hQ0KVnh6urYJrBZ8Rx_ZSHC149-LltUuYi6p-qfZE6tAOqFgCOmsjT7n4sVYQEkt1VamyTU_tNAphowB6CZY6QE9qzfeb8IBaRemzycPHp4YQaW1AL6r1SraN4senUV5-yba2thscgvdKyuaScJ8F3wimiDH_ASdvrXezDoYxbt0w/s2048/53088726253_0877da31fc_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1518" data-original-width="2048" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz8xc99hQ0KVnh6urYJrBZ8Rx_ZSHC149-LltUuYi6p-qfZE6tAOqFgCOmsjT7n4sVYQEkt1VamyTU_tNAphowB6CZY6QE9qzfeb8IBaRemzycPHp4YQaW1AL6r1SraN4senUV5-yba2thscgvdKyuaScJ8F3wimiDH_ASdvrXezDoYxbt0w/s320/53088726253_0877da31fc_k.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wyndham arcade</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>There was some nostalgia involved too, as Fogo talked about the shops and in the arcades that have moved around, and clubs and businesses long, or in the case of Howell, more recently gone by the wayside. We learnt about the history of the famous Wally's delicatessen and how the famous <a href="https://www.havanahouse.co.uk/the-bear-shop-cardiff/" target="_blank">Bear Shop</a> in Wyndham arcade that's been around (although not at its current location) since 1870. Indeed my wife can remember when the big stuffed bear used to be stood outside the shop in a previous location.</div><div><br /></div><div>We stopped outside Howells for a quick chat and view of the Bethany Chapel, recently visible after some of Howells facade has been knocked down. I suspect many people in Cardiff didn't even know the chapel was there.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrgw4F9SkOzfm6eMp3HkBB2I3cSl_PfVcAemTfZwSCIKn4KylvgWI-51Rc2bz5ZhK7SUXJCxa_j_-EYux4LWfT6ESgqi56IcQg8IZCKRGaY2Yd_DcM4m3gyZCte6RnRpYh5yHQR-B9veWiF5VUnIPTctpK5gPF5xchrPrAn05ALRbFzs7YCA/s2048/53088236316_28669c7c2e_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrgw4F9SkOzfm6eMp3HkBB2I3cSl_PfVcAemTfZwSCIKn4KylvgWI-51Rc2bz5ZhK7SUXJCxa_j_-EYux4LWfT6ESgqi56IcQg8IZCKRGaY2Yd_DcM4m3gyZCte6RnRpYh5yHQR-B9veWiF5VUnIPTctpK5gPF5xchrPrAn05ALRbFzs7YCA/s320/53088236316_28669c7c2e_k.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bethany Chapel, behind the old Howells building</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>We had a quick 10 minute break in the Market, before learning that the market was also the site of the old Cardiff gaol, and the site of the last public execution (Dic Penderyn) in August 1831. The gaol was eventually moved to its current site in Adamsdown as the population of both Cardiff, and the gaol grew in the latter years of that century.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2NTcd0s-wLeWktNGHKLJtFF3Kz_WMqnc-7mkKc1z0By5AMJVuz6n134Bs1Ef7siEEETHIOzsZzcN2gT8Rhhzs-fqxEfYIS6VBn_esD2yWhbsD3_ChGDftek5Jsi3DW6WbNFbkjeKxpXPsImVcA9J5Uy-5DIIFFhQw53GhK3fAdMYvIajyw/s2048/53088420364_0bb8bdd302_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1355" data-original-width="2048" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2NTcd0s-wLeWktNGHKLJtFF3Kz_WMqnc-7mkKc1z0By5AMJVuz6n134Bs1Ef7siEEETHIOzsZzcN2gT8Rhhzs-fqxEfYIS6VBn_esD2yWhbsD3_ChGDftek5Jsi3DW6WbNFbkjeKxpXPsImVcA9J5Uy-5DIIFFhQw53GhK3fAdMYvIajyw/s320/53088420364_0bb8bdd302_k.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cardiff Market - one big arcade</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>I also didn't know that the Old Arcade pub got it's name, because alongside it ran probably one of the very first arcades in Cardiff, now just a place that provides some side access to the Market, and an open air alleyway along the side of the pub festooned with a large dragon and Yawl Goch mural. A bit obvious know I know, but something I hadn't given much thought to before.</div><div><br /></div><div>Outside Queens Arcade, the newest arcade and not worthy of as much interest Fogo told us that a big yellow and ornate building looking like it had some Venetian influence, was probably built that way as it was adjacent to a canal which has long since disappeared, but was probably intended to reflect the buildings and canals of Venice. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1RogEATjbZLrJmWKhBShnUBCK2n3TPEag5xRqEk03nrFeusYMSefFQg1C_muG8iI_3ZUw09G1R8i1ZFg3Z8ZN-LziCUaWkHMhLAwLyGFd8vdaO3dDGVFIrE-lHStwiaoeI-VL1IHA5mhhHwXMQ4xgBFnyj-VXNRtk2mngUiRXl0JpE77fw/s2047/53088233791_600ffe5f46_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1242" data-original-width="2047" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1RogEATjbZLrJmWKhBShnUBCK2n3TPEag5xRqEk03nrFeusYMSefFQg1C_muG8iI_3ZUw09G1R8i1ZFg3Z8ZN-LziCUaWkHMhLAwLyGFd8vdaO3dDGVFIrE-lHStwiaoeI-VL1IHA5mhhHwXMQ4xgBFnyj-VXNRtk2mngUiRXl0JpE77fw/s320/53088233791_600ffe5f46_k.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Venetian influenced building on Queen St?</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Castle arcade has a long tunnel underneath it, used primarily as storage for the business in the arcade, but apparently it's not very interesting - just a concrete like bunker.</div><div><br /></div><div>Perhaps one of the prettiest arcades, is Duke St Arcade, which to my mind at least has some echoes of Harry Potter's Dragon Alley.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbzw1nZo2oX8O-rokZPFAhDstYZxKl4GOz8qMn753-es4QZX96J_sPX1X8jt2cDgThJ-0fJc6BNs5Y-cLQ0MEuy_t5dITO0KnE5xxd1F6ZR1wi7Uk7RMBjDfIKhUYRapKFVNW9vxpXBSqMFBpnP-kboj3EVhXLmwIUVzsS88xWkqvO1FMWKg/s2048/53087667757_388ec0477d_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbzw1nZo2oX8O-rokZPFAhDstYZxKl4GOz8qMn753-es4QZX96J_sPX1X8jt2cDgThJ-0fJc6BNs5Y-cLQ0MEuy_t5dITO0KnE5xxd1F6ZR1wi7Uk7RMBjDfIKhUYRapKFVNW9vxpXBSqMFBpnP-kboj3EVhXLmwIUVzsS88xWkqvO1FMWKg/s320/53087667757_388ec0477d_k.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duke St Arcade</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>We finished the tour, slightly later than planned - running about 15 minutes late, outside High St Arcade which perhaps has the prettiest entrance facade. It was a fascinating way to spend a couple of hours, and a great way to learn a little bit more about the city we live in. I'd certainly recommend this tour, and hopefully, will be looking to try one of Fogo's other offerings soon.</div><div><br /></div><div>Don't forget to tip!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6KYsN5qcoamYnGoe30RK-1XnKU40Ko-NAq5ZymEP5_Z47hj7FKNJ3XRfOLTT2dEG_S1FixiK05-7zwewxuc9KOWQY9LLcLuQG1lPGZtZAJRaSTxkIhKDfndY2yGKFNwF-8FTmEHW0CCwAk_pl6TdCuPsMJ5h52eC04mhxQPu-KG2TwMlpKQ/s2048/53087669412_578ab579c3_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6KYsN5qcoamYnGoe30RK-1XnKU40Ko-NAq5ZymEP5_Z47hj7FKNJ3XRfOLTT2dEG_S1FixiK05-7zwewxuc9KOWQY9LLcLuQG1lPGZtZAJRaSTxkIhKDfndY2yGKFNwF-8FTmEHW0CCwAk_pl6TdCuPsMJ5h52eC04mhxQPu-KG2TwMlpKQ/s320/53087669412_578ab579c3_k.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fogo winds up the tour outside High St Arcade</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>There is a more complete set of photos on my Flickr pages, links below.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Twitter: @Statto1927 <div>Flickr: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/people/simon_hiscocks/ " target="_blank">https://www.flickr.com/people/simon_hiscocks/ </a></div><div>Instagram: simon_hiscocks
</div>Stattohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05101176230353582280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372129.post-46566501494441873952023-07-31T14:15:00.001+01:002023-07-31T14:15:08.186+01:00Photography - a gear rabbit hole<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih1T41NujE2Ty-SyziPOtql8UJ-450zPfahTz7_SRLB8djSBasOxK-eqiMeOC6A2mUg4ibw8od1e2-UwydPdR-3JTPfJ84Pe5ZtbWPsJvz-OXafr-mF0texuGYu69grhfWj8quVrWi8vHc72kVbAmbZojdm5Z0lmyZb0ghV7jxJTrDOsMwCg/s440/budget-high-res-dslr.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="440" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih1T41NujE2Ty-SyziPOtql8UJ-450zPfahTz7_SRLB8djSBasOxK-eqiMeOC6A2mUg4ibw8od1e2-UwydPdR-3JTPfJ84Pe5ZtbWPsJvz-OXafr-mF0texuGYu69grhfWj8quVrWi8vHc72kVbAmbZojdm5Z0lmyZb0ghV7jxJTrDOsMwCg/s320/budget-high-res-dslr.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Credit: whatsthebest.co.uk</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div>Anyone who's looked in on this blog over the years will know I like photography. An avid amateur rather than a skilled enthusiast, but I like to think over the years my photography has improved. You can check out a lot of my efforts on <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/simon_hiscocks/" target="_blank">my Flickr pages</a> to judge for yourself.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ultimately of course whilst it's the camera that takes the shot, it's the photographer that sets the camera settings, determines the composition, and where needed and/or necessary does any "post-processing" to tweak the image to their satisfaction.</div><div><br /></div><div>Like many photographers, I've got through some (probably too much) gear over the years but like many, I also have a tendency to always be looking for the ideal camera setup. The reality is though, that pretty much any camera from the last few years is going to be more than good enough to take great pictures for 99% of people. </div><div><br /></div><div>I've recently come very, very close to selling two of my three main cameras and swapping out for another brand - for some sound reasons, but in the end (for the moment at least), I've stuck with what I have because what it serves me well enough.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's perhaps worth noting here, that (some) photographers can be a snobby lot, both in terms of brand favouritism and/or camera (or rather sensor) size. Basically, the bigger the sensor, the more light comes into the camera and (theoretically at least the better level of detail is achievable). But there are downsides to bigger sensors. Generally speaking the bigger the sensor, the bigger and heavier the camera and importantly where interchangeable lens cameras are concerned, so are the lenses. This is fine if you're a professional, or studio based "togger" (the slang term for a photographer), but an average amateur/hobbyist like me doesn't want to be carting round a bunch of heavy kit just o take some snaps or holiday photos, especially when travelling abroad.</div><div><br /></div><div>As an example, last year we went to the island of <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/simon_hiscocks/albums/72177720300227595" target="_blank">Skomer off the Pembrokeshire coast to see puffins</a>. There were people there with more cameras and kit than you could shake a stick at, some with lenses as long as my arm, whilst I had a little bridge camera with a tiny sensor. Whilst the big kit guys undoubtedly got some lovely shots, so did I - perfectly good enough for my needs, and given that the puffins were virtually running over my feet, I certainly didn't need a massive zoom lens! </div><div><br /></div><div>So my gear has basically been collated to give me flexibility around some specific scenarios that fit my photography needs, as follows.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Fujifilm -S10</b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjefgwHix-zUcf81m0NWqnbQDJ3SYeO8lvFFUHxLF9_1Z8BlrWb6-CSP2OjXNux2cY08dHjTebha-KFTWu6FedvR1bv-mTOAKgd75BesrzjdoCp9m-PQwXucRFHVRXHd0p6vn23zG5s1IbpBOjgEbYlJj8omuvbrGTyvEEKSnD2nwuBf72V-w/s350/71nfDlnr61L._AC_UF350,350_QL80_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="321" data-original-width="350" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjefgwHix-zUcf81m0NWqnbQDJ3SYeO8lvFFUHxLF9_1Z8BlrWb6-CSP2OjXNux2cY08dHjTebha-KFTWu6FedvR1bv-mTOAKgd75BesrzjdoCp9m-PQwXucRFHVRXHd0p6vn23zG5s1IbpBOjgEbYlJj8omuvbrGTyvEEKSnD2nwuBf72V-w/w233-h213/71nfDlnr61L._AC_UF350,350_QL80_.jpg" width="233" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Fujifilm X-S10</td></tr></tbody></table><div><b><br /></b></div><div>My biggest sensor camera is a Fujifilm X-S10. This camera has an APS-C size sensor - see the link above - that gives wonderful images. I've got 3 lenses for it. The standard 18-55mm zoom kit lens (although it's of far better quality than the term "kit lens" suggests. A 50-230mm shortish telephoto zoom, and my most recent purchase a 16-80mm zoom that just gives me a bit more at the wide and zoom ends than the kit lens. </div><div>I use this when I know the images I'll be taking fall comfortably within the zoom ranges, and when I need the highest quality images.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ2000</b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGGSlHr1CHkI3wA6fwgbMaL9NVQIdiVE7FRhWn2j5V60GaHdux7PmY0RW8o5UrQKYeHaaptn1U7hY_QMJNPsx1-Lwos_OAJDFM1YDgZXWFPHZLB9Ls4E3nT9cIWwv46QXhfbn_D6N6z554cJAYDcd0npqKwTLKTbBXw8rhj9_rRGeBIyfxyQ/s225/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGGSlHr1CHkI3wA6fwgbMaL9NVQIdiVE7FRhWn2j5V60GaHdux7PmY0RW8o5UrQKYeHaaptn1U7hY_QMJNPsx1-Lwos_OAJDFM1YDgZXWFPHZLB9Ls4E3nT9cIWwv46QXhfbn_D6N6z554cJAYDcd0npqKwTLKTbBXw8rhj9_rRGeBIyfxyQ/s1600/images.jpeg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ2000</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>This Panasonic is a "bridge" camera. Basically this means it's a fixed lens camera - you can't change lenses, but the in-built lens has a zoom range of 24-480mm (at full frame equivalent) on a one inch sensor. The plus is that the reach at the 480mm end of this zoom means it's great for wildlife or distant subjects, but the compromise is the smaller 1" sensor that can struggle in poor light. However in good light it takes lovely photos, and has the benefit of having that very flexible lens when I don't want to be carting the Fuji and a couple of other lenses around. It's a bit of a chunk though, and not ideally suited to travel (in my opinion).</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Sony RX100vi</b></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOF4NUI9eR6X4vqkSBXPWMlZ503_DSQf2Qh-RYSvdrt1fi8jHGxUhqNTDYVBa0bBdwgzmOU1ZwFrNqpu8jW8VRljlgAjjkXUM639GrAVqAbNAWfAjQdMBGidEysV5HHQRQd3tzYIxcnLj_FfxndwZ-5AKv1TeSTcc069Wrok4dyxwp_Sh6A/s1600/201863-sony-cybershot-rx100-vi-black-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1248" data-original-width="1600" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOF4NUI9eR6X4vqkSBXPWMlZ503_DSQf2Qh-RYSvdrt1fi8jHGxUhqNTDYVBa0bBdwgzmOU1ZwFrNqpu8jW8VRljlgAjjkXUM639GrAVqAbNAWfAjQdMBGidEysV5HHQRQd3tzYIxcnLj_FfxndwZ-5AKv1TeSTcc069Wrok4dyxwp_Sh6A/s320/201863-sony-cybershot-rx100-vi-black-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Sony RX100vi</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Last, but by no means least is my pocket rocket. The Sony RX100 Mk 6 is a tiny camera measuring less that 10cm x 6cm but packs a 1" sensor, and it takes outstanding photos for it's size (as do all the Sony RX100 range (currently up to Mk7). It also zooms to 200mm full frame equivalent so has great subject flexibility. I honestly never fail to be astounded by how good the output from this camera is.</div><div>It's my go to travel camera and perfect for travel abroad when weight and practicality are needed. </div><div><br /></div><div>And finally of course not forgetting my iPhone. Phone cameras on the latest phones are unbelievably good for the most part. They don't stand up to detailed scripting or large prints, but be honest, how many of us print any photos these days? I have an iPhone 13 Pro currently, and the images this phone takes are superb. Sure they're a little over saturated for some, but it's hard to take a bad picture with an iPhone these days, and there's plenty of flexibility for changing settings and on phone editing that arguably makes it my most used camera, because it's ALWAYS with me.</div><div><br /></div><div>So given the above, why was I thinking about changing? Well, the primary reason is that none of the above kit is weather sealed/resistant. Consequently I'm very cautious about having a camera with me when the weather is inclement. One camera brand in particular, formerly <a href="https://explore.omsystem.com/gb/en/" target="_blank">Olympus, now OM-Systems</a>, boasts probably the best weather resistance of all cameras, but in the end I reckon that as I would rarely shoot in the rain even if I had a weather resistant camera, there was no point in swapping, and it was really me just thinking the grass is greener....</div><div><br /></div><div>My Sony can go in a pocket, and if I'm out with either of the other two units and it starts raining, I'll just have to stick it in my rucksack or inside a coat. Failing that it's hope for the best.</div><div><br /></div><div>So that's my kit, and what I use it for. However good they are though, that doesn't stop me looking for my next camera!!!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Tip:</b></div><div>iPhone aside, if you have a camera - any camera, get a spare battery and a spare memory card. Batteries run out at the most inopportune times, and a memory card can fail leaving you unable to save a photo. </div><div><br /></div>Twitter: @Statto1927 <div>Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/people/simon_hiscocks/ </div><div>Instagram: simon_hiscocks
</div>Stattohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05101176230353582280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372129.post-65652505517189837392023-07-28T14:30:00.005+01:002023-07-28T14:30:33.768+01:00Flat Holm excursion<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWCK-C31Wp0zO1TJu49U1bHCQ4IlA92OOQW5SobnOJln0SXtgK7XznkqC_7qTd_UX-BnyVUxQ7iyNFOFLqkCmMpAgY5H0wwfEUr6k7NpqjAGFtSJAA3Ev1opOF5GfKAQRuxWQcwBg2__RB7wkYTf6hmBtLGO4Yn1fFGZ63zUvtyNKpwMgOMw/s2048/53046718357_e42d478cd1_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1353" data-original-width="2048" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWCK-C31Wp0zO1TJu49U1bHCQ4IlA92OOQW5SobnOJln0SXtgK7XznkqC_7qTd_UX-BnyVUxQ7iyNFOFLqkCmMpAgY5H0wwfEUr6k7NpqjAGFtSJAA3Ev1opOF5GfKAQRuxWQcwBg2__RB7wkYTf6hmBtLGO4Yn1fFGZ63zUvtyNKpwMgOMw/s320/53046718357_e42d478cd1_k.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Right of centre: Flat Holm and Steep Holm from Penarth<br />You can guess which is which!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjlj-bswLGAAxWqgv0HHV6JAaYQFnoECFsQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FFlat_Holm&usg=AOvVaw0Nn-07Cmxb7LvwAPg20sH-&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Flat Holm</a> and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiSg5zGuLGAAxX6R0EAHd0UArIQFnoECDQQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FSteep_Holm&usg=AOvVaw17_rF7pJs7xTNgHwQYJyRA&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Steep Holm</a> are two islands approximately 1/3 and 2/3 distance respectively between Lavernock Point in the Vale of Glamorgan, South East Wales and Weston Super Mare in Somerset, England. Flat Holm is part of Wales, whilst Steep Holm belongs to the English. Living in the area, I've often looked at these islands, but this year we decided to go and visit Flat Holm. Both are actually accessible to visitors, although bookings need to be done through proper outlets. We booked a trip with <a href="https://www.bayislandvoyages.co.uk" target="_blank">Bay Island Voyages</a> leaving from <a href="https://www.cardiffbay.co.uk" target="_blank">Cardiff Bay</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXOf9avhicwk3SdPY7CqLvFfsJAKOAKAHmPrlhsyzxO5VQVQD2sL3J9ppjtRV_nChddjqh4AxN7_NpYefWo3aMlDCOXbLSO10sQZjE-VC8a5dDpCZYRiX6OIcLXHN88p0TrcR1pxM88ZedBIn_0oRIDx1BUXKlkoEUCodBiaMik71ZMiRQ0w/s4032/IMG_4126.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXOf9avhicwk3SdPY7CqLvFfsJAKOAKAHmPrlhsyzxO5VQVQD2sL3J9ppjtRV_nChddjqh4AxN7_NpYefWo3aMlDCOXbLSO10sQZjE-VC8a5dDpCZYRiX6OIcLXHN88p0TrcR1pxM88ZedBIn_0oRIDx1BUXKlkoEUCodBiaMik71ZMiRQ0w/s320/IMG_4126.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our ride with Cardiff Bay and Penarth Head in the background</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our fist booking a couple of months ago was cancelled due to inclement weather (which might be a good thing as you'll read later), but we rebooked last week, and went out on Wednesday 26th. The trip allows for about 2-3 hours on the island, which is plenty as it's only about 1 square mile. Note that the Steep Holm trip leaves you there for 12 hours, presumably due to tide limitations.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkthfab3dhF6wEGCI8UGNOtKqs4b2EV1eWhrG4d6ZtsxZFbjRJ2-KqBIu0FAqPHTpZqfJZ_Dch1BmxZkK-d6kEOvlajDf1E76--SiERs4W7ZibmUbOVvzXqRIEwQD-0dJnbU72gKRxob_d46C8RtE5JXmnInAj2xFjhrsPcbSJsjnaL0dM0w/s4032/IMG_4130.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkthfab3dhF6wEGCI8UGNOtKqs4b2EV1eWhrG4d6ZtsxZFbjRJ2-KqBIu0FAqPHTpZqfJZ_Dch1BmxZkK-d6kEOvlajDf1E76--SiERs4W7ZibmUbOVvzXqRIEwQD-0dJnbU72gKRxob_d46C8RtE5JXmnInAj2xFjhrsPcbSJsjnaL0dM0w/s320/IMG_4130.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching the sea locks on the barrage on our outward journey</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We met our crew at Cardiff Bay, and got suited up with lifejackets and had our safety briefing, before heading out into the bay towards the large sea locks that we would pass through into the Bristol Channel. Wet weather gear is recommended for the trip - spray is possible, let alone risk of rain, although to be fair we got neither and stayed dry. It's also as much to keep warm on the ride over. The ride was smooth(ish) in our RIB with Craig at the helm. I'd imagine on a non flat sea it could be quite fun!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgolBadtCCmZ2yuiKamNOT6Xc0IsNEHWWPP28sQS_LZAYpWN6BlguZG8kEiLtbVXl3jh7CQtfztrI83nbNGtx55h8sFqI4GLYL4s6JLDMUoKrN30zdKUuDYGgGvhW5dRZKSsxwjF7SMRV4UdakLV6TDTDUSPTg4raV5e_ZuJRS32tFP8wMIVA/s4032/IMG_4134.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgolBadtCCmZ2yuiKamNOT6Xc0IsNEHWWPP28sQS_LZAYpWN6BlguZG8kEiLtbVXl3jh7CQtfztrI83nbNGtx55h8sFqI4GLYL4s6JLDMUoKrN30zdKUuDYGgGvhW5dRZKSsxwjF7SMRV4UdakLV6TDTDUSPTg4raV5e_ZuJRS32tFP8wMIVA/s320/IMG_4134.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arriving at Flat Holm jetty</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once dropped off at the jetty, we were met by a couple of the wardens who gave us some quick instructions about what to do (and not to do) and look out for. After this we walked with them to one of the buildings to pay our £5 per person landing fee (cash only). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There's a permanent residence of wardens/rangers on the island, although they rotate every month or so. They look after the upkeep of the island and undertake research as well as looking after visitors. The island is also visited by groups such as scout groups, and there is a camping field, some bunkhouse accommodation although this is all relatively primitive - luxury glamping or camping this is not!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">With one of the wardens (Josh) we then did a shortish tour of the island, with Josh giving us some great information on the history of the place and showing us the sights. After the tour, we had some time to wander around on our own, before heading back to the jetty for our pick up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There are several aspects to the islands history, much of which you will find in the links above, or by doing a bit of your own research and <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/?gfe_rd=cr&ei=4BwUVPjCCeKq8wfTxoKIDw" target="_blank">Googling</a>, so I won't repeat any detail here, but broadly:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The island has been inhabited by various people since the Dark Ages, or possibly earlier.</li><li>There's the lighthouse and foghorn station. The light is still used to warn shipping of the islands hazards, but the foghorn has been silent since the late 80's/early 90's bar a reprieve for the millennium celebrations.</li><li>The Victorians had a barracks here with 9 gun emplacements to ward off any attacks from the French, although this never came.</li><li>It was here that the first radio message over water, sent by Marconi from Lavernock Point was successfully received. The message was "Are you ready?"</li><li>There was a cholera isolation hospital on the island</li><li>It's home to the most southerly pub in Wales, the "Gull and Leek" (although it's actually a very small room in the Victorian Barracks that does serve bottles of beer and snacks).</li><li>It's a haven for wildlife - especially gulls</li><li>There's a very small museum and gift shop in the barracks, but again this is cash only.</li></ul><div>A word on the gulls. Flat Holm is a nesting colony for gulls - predominantly black backed and black headed gulls. There were thousands of them. The wardens warned us that they could be quite aggressive - indeed they ARE aggressive during peak nesting season (May/June - so this would have been the time of our original booking - good miss!), dive bombing and pooping on anyone who comes close to their nests - which frankly is pretty unavoidable! Their best advice was to wear a hat, and not look up!</div><div><br /></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5zVOHrvXLh_8xrWDscwZyVCcCVX07N0WiUBrWdwEwiNbwMB2gHUBQMreacK_inJbmiiOmdlD4lsnosycyDt2ThyR0xEW5EWYnNrMh4UQblUkpnHScbSXERfeuZpC-vhfch20VhPK3kyvF_VKkwL8JsuBslb0aKkZMGE75s8yn-7CWSWWGbg/s4032/IMG_4137.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5zVOHrvXLh_8xrWDscwZyVCcCVX07N0WiUBrWdwEwiNbwMB2gHUBQMreacK_inJbmiiOmdlD4lsnosycyDt2ThyR0xEW5EWYnNrMh4UQblUkpnHScbSXERfeuZpC-vhfch20VhPK3kyvF_VKkwL8JsuBslb0aKkZMGE75s8yn-7CWSWWGbg/s320/IMG_4137.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flat Holm light</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnvohEY_lXENs8iKjrAZF7CUbpNxap2yjFjz-ybGJ9igua3gxNVAIEPNOyh0GHi0fi33XnbsXzLuZRiN3ckRDnm5PNCHcJde3qkzWrDJH3Iv0cNOdNUqc2nCRFwZF5_L-ZJThc6xZ5mdDXyGPFckSOIaSROIH2hWYCYC8kR9GrjI_xb_pB1w/s4032/IMG_4142.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnvohEY_lXENs8iKjrAZF7CUbpNxap2yjFjz-ybGJ9igua3gxNVAIEPNOyh0GHi0fi33XnbsXzLuZRiN3ckRDnm5PNCHcJde3qkzWrDJH3Iv0cNOdNUqc2nCRFwZF5_L-ZJThc6xZ5mdDXyGPFckSOIaSROIH2hWYCYC8kR9GrjI_xb_pB1w/s320/IMG_4142.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The old cholera hospital</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhIxNGt1ErsBc5KCXBOg8fcm59LiFp1xIKaksMy9oc2EzJb5UmHXfSD3Mq5htN2ZM5LVayd5we994GEGvgiWHV2mcqJAck95exY6zfo97E7gFhvsdDjJIU5CFF51lbxkGDQq3CUEI8kiYfzrXjXQf1voMsJFGw0T0ElDGV05ciz5uwI1eYA/s4032/IMG_4144.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMhIxNGt1ErsBc5KCXBOg8fcm59LiFp1xIKaksMy9oc2EzJb5UmHXfSD3Mq5htN2ZM5LVayd5we994GEGvgiWHV2mcqJAck95exY6zfo97E7gFhvsdDjJIU5CFF51lbxkGDQq3CUEI8kiYfzrXjXQf1voMsJFGw0T0ElDGV05ciz5uwI1eYA/s320/IMG_4144.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The old farmhouse, now warden and visitor accommodation</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCBza48JAOLvyklFedUeDmNDn0wleT-zLScIGQnZJnogyA8biPFVQMtcOOcoegrNigKH-bcw1Gwe6hR_AgTb26DXkdlBsaTDpXN0Br3ZJQ-5pYtgko1bQttspp5AuTiDwCX7qUb62OiNc3eZ7XfGsStIiROOyYG7n-sUIRXY4549V4creuXg/s4032/IMG_4146.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCBza48JAOLvyklFedUeDmNDn0wleT-zLScIGQnZJnogyA8biPFVQMtcOOcoegrNigKH-bcw1Gwe6hR_AgTb26DXkdlBsaTDpXN0Br3ZJQ-5pYtgko1bQttspp5AuTiDwCX7qUb62OiNc3eZ7XfGsStIiROOyYG7n-sUIRXY4549V4creuXg/s320/IMG_4146.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The disused foghorn</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3jXjpQ6JGBxGtWUu5UuFBOj7JQL4Xd6f0eNXwWv-FL9d9JWdvNfDIzXFkE9X40VMJSSM3Kx_ADt07I7hdf0Xzp1CPvHCj6WhxUshVrSBnbhrYc48A-AwwSo77hRQi3sla908SBxgmOTXTmMPFkVfn0QGxxSoCTIKcxB6HeOAU1OcUcP5VIg/s2048/Image%2026-07-2023%20at%2014.49%20(1).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3jXjpQ6JGBxGtWUu5UuFBOj7JQL4Xd6f0eNXwWv-FL9d9JWdvNfDIzXFkE9X40VMJSSM3Kx_ADt07I7hdf0Xzp1CPvHCj6WhxUshVrSBnbhrYc48A-AwwSo77hRQi3sla908SBxgmOTXTmMPFkVfn0QGxxSoCTIKcxB6HeOAU1OcUcP5VIg/s320/Image%2026-07-2023%20at%2014.49%20(1).jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Resident bunny</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyOwAonkQHWzh8RL69zrkf81Mj4sC5V6SU6MJFYyfvoDjPf6xlgNyptD4Th1vJNiNoZ3FtpIwCVDtA7rRtXyHLBNnVxyrz4NuqjK36asiCyJMA75ltU5QARk4y3z8v8a5aY9aZaVVovyfJsm-XiBjNXRbcLY7_u8OEl5TxSFESYirDLpjhag/s2048/Image%2026-07-2023%20at%2014.50%20(1).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1776" data-original-width="2048" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyOwAonkQHWzh8RL69zrkf81Mj4sC5V6SU6MJFYyfvoDjPf6xlgNyptD4Th1vJNiNoZ3FtpIwCVDtA7rRtXyHLBNnVxyrz4NuqjK36asiCyJMA75ltU5QARk4y3z8v8a5aY9aZaVVovyfJsm-XiBjNXRbcLY7_u8OEl5TxSFESYirDLpjhag/s320/Image%2026-07-2023%20at%2014.50%20(1).jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were gulls. Lots of gulls. No really, lots</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitpMY43r0TGJjh6jpgNdfeyBV9zyrO4V2lgXRBIfDuPAAK7IOkSqEUeOhIMZFZdta1T9pfO9G1V2KyxOYbUN7G9L7T9Mw5kXAJxFD0EFN2O3zH5Wq0FYBYDySzQY3HT14kctnNaOhL5R7buWjg3FZy2oqQJEq-ttQNw91ikF9gCLaescmfUg/s3930/IMG_4139.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3930" data-original-width="2948" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitpMY43r0TGJjh6jpgNdfeyBV9zyrO4V2lgXRBIfDuPAAK7IOkSqEUeOhIMZFZdta1T9pfO9G1V2KyxOYbUN7G9L7T9Mw5kXAJxFD0EFN2O3zH5Wq0FYBYDySzQY3HT14kctnNaOhL5R7buWjg3FZy2oqQJEq-ttQNw91ikF9gCLaescmfUg/s320/IMG_4139.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the old guns</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwP7JAp7NP7gALCBkc7X6BmFoYdDIYSNXjL4rHLm-pUbsT1F1RXZSYVYFjOOtmwhrsE6YeUQ_tPudZgmvjx-6Bkj9c0X-Hh1Gt_SpXV7P8lgSFUmp9AYsxZNbmApYBX-ilu7iqsM8sSKNDmdNAC4be9LAjdzjYicER2ZWMXi4tGzHp07Y_sg/s4032/IMG_4149.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwP7JAp7NP7gALCBkc7X6BmFoYdDIYSNXjL4rHLm-pUbsT1F1RXZSYVYFjOOtmwhrsE6YeUQ_tPudZgmvjx-6Bkj9c0X-Hh1Gt_SpXV7P8lgSFUmp9AYsxZNbmApYBX-ilu7iqsM8sSKNDmdNAC4be9LAjdzjYicER2ZWMXi4tGzHp07Y_sg/s320/IMG_4149.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gun and light</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDOaa6pt-e-H2V-8-ldRkJJ_lHP6VPqkPiEthShSw8fpvk6GAyp6ZyxWN--etrpn8P8mg-nZhfRJDOQE4ZTF-fCBOiNoxa8Plyoc6U1iMCg92beHWLKE5ryOfGOxKmoavT6n0nLaK-01r8Ezm108FLVFtxPRS6IxwEbvRjY7i-4oRDZPgAw/s4032/IMG_4150.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDOaa6pt-e-H2V-8-ldRkJJ_lHP6VPqkPiEthShSw8fpvk6GAyp6ZyxWN--etrpn8P8mg-nZhfRJDOQE4ZTF-fCBOiNoxa8Plyoc6U1iMCg92beHWLKE5ryOfGOxKmoavT6n0nLaK-01r8Ezm108FLVFtxPRS6IxwEbvRjY7i-4oRDZPgAw/s320/IMG_4150.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gun emplacement</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>The guns were house in cylindrical pits to hide them from any marauding French. They were then raised up to fire. There were 9 emplacements in all, but never more than enough gunners to man 7 of them at once.</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSKDCBbj_QcOiLk838LcEKA5q5BA-Z6KDtzdyAH7JSM8sG-QuB-uU8JmiaczgyTSI_0-SPlw17it8BzuKcIKc50fPgRhylgSqDz9W1OO5NgMjBhDC0Ps4cXoPJrnpNhradi0j2qf5BIu0mv1sv8oDTwvzG6BjGOfO9RN-Y5s95xQQGRnr-EA/s4032/IMG_4162.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSKDCBbj_QcOiLk838LcEKA5q5BA-Z6KDtzdyAH7JSM8sG-QuB-uU8JmiaczgyTSI_0-SPlw17it8BzuKcIKc50fPgRhylgSqDz9W1OO5NgMjBhDC0Ps4cXoPJrnpNhradi0j2qf5BIu0mv1sv8oDTwvzG6BjGOfO9RN-Y5s95xQQGRnr-EA/s320/IMG_4162.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awaiting passage through the sea locks on our return</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>All in all we had a very enjoyable couple of hours on the island. I'm so glad we went and explored somewhere that's so close, and yet so far away. Highly recommended.</div><div><br /></div>Twitter: @Statto1927 <div>Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/people/simon_hiscocks/ </div><div>Instagram: simon_hiscocks
</div>Stattohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05101176230353582280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372129.post-74033480469921845432023-07-05T16:44:00.002+01:002023-07-05T17:15:01.655+01:00Blagdon Air Pump 250 review<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDk1EmEFSpK9eCR9S3eF6OP8ArKOqJ8EXOGZ3jg3FEUjnr41LfN0MM13DXG5dH-wi0tuqBpjgbM_69TaOcOjDO-0Y-79CgYC_YRi2LV_JBUv3Kz3HSKdshnKK9HfMAKJzOGpDZGoV5O8pWs6YgIsZXHlSSGcximTan_f7lreJp8_jV6Qde5Q/s800/IMG_3049.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDk1EmEFSpK9eCR9S3eF6OP8ArKOqJ8EXOGZ3jg3FEUjnr41LfN0MM13DXG5dH-wi0tuqBpjgbM_69TaOcOjDO-0Y-79CgYC_YRi2LV_JBUv3Kz3HSKdshnKK9HfMAKJzOGpDZGoV5O8pWs6YgIsZXHlSSGcximTan_f7lreJp8_jV6Qde5Q/s320/IMG_3049.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My pond last year</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>I've had a small garden pond for a few years. We've only a small garden and only have room for a tiny pond, so as you can see int he photo above it's a pre formed plastic pond about 1.5m x 1m - I can't remember the capacity, but I think it's around 150l.</div><div><br /></div><div>Initially I had about 6 small goldfish. A couple died, a heron had on and I was left with 3. A couple of years ago I noticed some tiny fish swimming around, and with one of the bigger ones dying I now have a total of 9 - a couple of the originals and 7 small ones that are now around an inc or so long. Because the pond is so small, it tends to get green very quickly in summer even though it's got a health population of oxygenating plants, but that's clearly not enough. I had a small fountain for a while but it kept getting clogged or falling over.</div><div><br /></div><div>This year with the heat over May/June the pond's got particularly murky and is now like green soup. I've switched a load of water out a couple of times and stuck some small barley straw bales in (which is supposed to help), but thinking about a fountain again to get the water moving to oxygenate, whilst Googling I came across pump aerators. Basically a small pump that sits outside the pond, with a small pipe leading to an airstone that sits in the bottom of the pond. Air is pumped through and bubbles up in the pond providing water movement and oxygen. </div><div><br /></div><div>Those of you living in Cardiff may have seen similar stuff on a <a href="https://www.arup.com/projects/cardiff-bay-aeration-system" target="_blank">MUCH larger scale in Cardiff Bay</a> where there are aerators throughout the bay and up the rivers Ely and Taff.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are a few different types on ones suitable for ponds on the market and I eventually settled on the <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Blagdon-Oxygenator-Small-Ponds-Litres/dp/B003Y1RHWQ/ref=asc_df_B003Y1RHWQ/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=231894004746&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13167257905551173378&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045356&hvtargid=pla-451506974331&psc=1&th=1&psc=1" target="_blank">Blagdon Air Pump 250</a> (this is an Amazon link, although I purchased mine for the local garden centre.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0npuv7aSD0m0tF0Q5saYmzaVp-8wiGNe5oif5CDAUYi1CdDEzLwNY7yPnxi3M8vltLS4rNDcXnCLN-kvsI3LbjnJ64RODChWs6qWqo1kRTQtkUlQlzaXncjtOZcOzwNw43PS4pRy7FsltMQ7smmG9LKtPxKopwZxo7Qx3kak2rCRuUJMEeg/s1000/5a79bf59c69be4.65050748.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0npuv7aSD0m0tF0Q5saYmzaVp-8wiGNe5oif5CDAUYi1CdDEzLwNY7yPnxi3M8vltLS4rNDcXnCLN-kvsI3LbjnJ64RODChWs6qWqo1kRTQtkUlQlzaXncjtOZcOzwNw43PS4pRy7FsltMQ7smmG9LKtPxKopwZxo7Qx3kak2rCRuUJMEeg/s320/5a79bf59c69be4.65050748.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blagdon air pump 250</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>It's a simple unit, coming with the pump, 5 minutes of piping and an airstone. This has one outlet, but you can get bigger pumps with 2 or 4 outlets. It's weatherproof so can sit outside (it DOESN'T go in the pond!!!!)</div><div><br /></div><div>A couple of things to note.</div><div><br /></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Like many outdoor electrical items - especially ones that are to be used in/around water, this doesn't come with a plug. You have to add that yourself. </li><li>It should always be used with an RCD circuit breaker</li><li>The power cable is only 1.5m long</li></ol><div>This presented a slight problem for me. The nearest power socket is in my conservatory, but that's still about 8 metres from the pond. The cable is not long enough to site the pump outside the conservatory.</div><div><br /></div><div>So I've left the pump in the conservatory, and bought some additional piping as the included 5m length wouldn't reach the pond, and added the additional piping out through the conservatory window, on a run to the pond. I was worried that the extra length might reduce the pumps efficiency (but it doesn't).</div><div><br /></div><div>It all works fabulously. The pump is quiet enough to be relatively unobtrusive. It pumps air with plenty of oomph to aerate the pond visible with small bubbles rising from the airstone.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwtMQhhf5qLnEKNrOtrYhuzlT7_wHdb1wYvt301nNbaZFJobGaahpdOzx4Z5vu1TZEOVDCjN62ZzTQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">I can't say anything yet about longevity, or whether it'll make the fish any happier and the pond less green as I only installed it today, but I'll come back and update once I know the score on those things. I'm pretty happy and the only question I have is "why didn't I think of doing this sooner?". I'm sure my fish think the same.</span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Twitter: @Statto1927 <div>Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/people/simon_hiscocks/ </div><div>Instagram: simon_hiscocks
</div>Stattohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05101176230353582280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372129.post-57913485240952564562023-07-02T20:35:00.001+01:002023-07-02T20:35:17.613+01:0024" iMac - its upgrade time<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWH9joCfuqgTQZjQIotCAg4xuE_OWGdKQAhwINZG5-xv7tVvFD0v5SvE0zuX7oJ7c-f_Ij8yZ3dB9pJkrOkwHzQioyv4Z-THCF8_gyhrcKY5kdPlIKFwNGswkvIhWNX90_xByu858GQwl3RwyHC2YblW5-L0f9_IiPSM7LMqiPQKOXpEXQ1w/s1254/imac-24-blue-cto-hero-202104.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1132" data-original-width="1254" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWH9joCfuqgTQZjQIotCAg4xuE_OWGdKQAhwINZG5-xv7tVvFD0v5SvE0zuX7oJ7c-f_Ij8yZ3dB9pJkrOkwHzQioyv4Z-THCF8_gyhrcKY5kdPlIKFwNGswkvIhWNX90_xByu858GQwl3RwyHC2YblW5-L0f9_IiPSM7LMqiPQKOXpEXQ1w/s320/imac-24-blue-cto-hero-202104.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">24" iMac in blue<br />(but I got the silver one)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">I've been an Apple diehard for well over a decade - almost 15 years in fact. My first foray was a MacBook Pro laptop for my 50th birthday in *cough* 2009. It's still going strong and has been upgraded a few times although sadly no longer capable of running Apple's latest Mac operating system. Since then I've added numerous iPhones, iPads and in 2013 a 21" iMac desktop. That's served me well and again is still going strong. However, it also won't run the latest OS (in fact it's about 3 versions behind now), and I've also recently had cause to bemoan that it won't run a couple of bits of the latest versions of software I own/use.</span></p></div><div><br /></div><div>Having summed and ached for almost a year I suppose, I've finally bitten the bullet and bought the newest version of the iMac. The smart (and even sleeker) 24" version running Apple's own silicon, the M1 chip.</div><div><br /></div><div>First things first - the elephant in the room. Apple kit is ridiculously expensive. I could have bought three of four windows desktops for what I paid for his specific version of the iMac. But, and I appreciate this is a wholly subjective viewpoint, the Apple ecosystem is fabulous. It works for me and their kit is beautiful to look at, and I find very functional and easy to use. To paraphrase <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwizvJTX4fD_AhUXTkEAHZ7-CRQQFnoECBEQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FSteve_Jobs&usg=AOvVaw3Q3QgVe8mIl0lmyy0xJJ4N&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Steve Jobs</a>, one of Apple's founders and now sadly deceased, "It just works".</div><div><br /></div><div>I went for a model that had extra ports (the base model has only two Thunderbolt/USB ports - this ones 2 Thunderbolt and Two USB 4 ports. I also went for a version with an upgraded memory (16GB instead of the base 8GB), and an upgraded SSD (storage) up to 1TB from 256GB at the base end.</div><div><br /></div><div>That all meant a substantial hike in price, but the one (potentially negative) thing about the iMacs is that they're not upgradeable after purchase. If you need extra memory/storage, you need to spec it up front. This should future proof my purchase, and I wanted the extra memory and storage primarily for my photos/processing. Yes I could get an external storage unit (in fact I have three external drives attached to my iMac), but I like plenty of onboard storage too.</div><div><br /></div><div>The other key decision was colour. Once upon a time, all Macs came in beige. Then silver. Now there are 7 colours to choose from for the iMac (less for the base models). Many people get/got quite excited by this, and whilst I quite liked the blue model, 1) I'm not that fussed by colour on my computers, 2) I'm an Apple traditionalist so silver works fine for me, and 3) they only had the blue or silver in the configuration I wanted on the day. So silver it was.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's a one box solution, and in keeping with Apple's beautiful design, even the box and packaging is cool.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgioIqd3oEtxfdj9s42jfNCmxpHOMWmASbmQ5xOWGgWGT-aYZPXMcvRforOuy0hZNHSIKITNwZGAEWOesuBnzKZ3YyffaSBZqKRG_qjdH1IgfdDAPagecmaYULIqp-JiJLcA-ua0SH2xuW3hUgOdv9fTGZP8yECpZSq_53uZhZOoatvNMtQ/s4032/IMG_3987.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgioIqd3oEtxfdj9s42jfNCmxpHOMWmASbmQ5xOWGgWGT-aYZPXMcvRforOuy0hZNHSIKITNwZGAEWOesuBnzKZ3YyffaSBZqKRG_qjdH1IgfdDAPagecmaYULIqp-JiJLcA-ua0SH2xuW3hUgOdv9fTGZP8yECpZSq_53uZhZOoatvNMtQ/s320/IMG_3987.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The iMac in it's protective box</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Once out of the box, you get the computer until, a bluetooth keyboard and mouse and a USB4 to lightning cable to charge the two accessories and that's it.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-x2cuxCr6PyY2i4tcaPdVHt9AVxkJyMjq3ZuVkEIpoi8_fs-K5n0utRmQhFIs9sh9gnCaGHgX-cCL9cfQ7NFIxE5ZAzCWBSzER4Xih9d65NiEuXwiBjjssHE9-LQ8P72-2j-ZRfW3csWNq4LPFPcr1vdoV_l6TWR207vlpkTjquEMfvS1sA/s4032/IMG_3988.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-x2cuxCr6PyY2i4tcaPdVHt9AVxkJyMjq3ZuVkEIpoi8_fs-K5n0utRmQhFIs9sh9gnCaGHgX-cCL9cfQ7NFIxE5ZAzCWBSzER4Xih9d65NiEuXwiBjjssHE9-LQ8P72-2j-ZRfW3csWNq4LPFPcr1vdoV_l6TWR207vlpkTjquEMfvS1sA/s320/IMG_3988.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out of the box and ready to go</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Connecting everything up was a breeze and boom - we're away.</div><div><br /></div><div>Back in the day, a new computer meant copying over all your files and reinstalling all the software. Today things are much easier, and a "migration assistant" basically lets you copy everything from the old Mac to the new one. You can do this wirelessly, via Ethernet cable or Thunderbolt/USB if you have the right cables. I opted for an ethernet cable. The whole process took around an hour, and as if by magic, my new iMac was a replica of my old iMac.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANtSma3zWX8JiZ-I134Zqv-XCbx_92NqnaNqeLqgbGGtMW2UHjSxN335Yo6uCrM4FraXvzMoqv2vJ3gKDbl4JgmERpYqqhISS3H4ELlRVpMVCi5nVuQpLBuSwCHc3nefcXetWfcgurke7LTkpBweIU-xWUTmX3iLiEmCkK9ciZJLaDfziug/s4032/IMG_3989.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANtSma3zWX8JiZ-I134Zqv-XCbx_92NqnaNqeLqgbGGtMW2UHjSxN335Yo6uCrM4FraXvzMoqv2vJ3gKDbl4JgmERpYqqhISS3H4ELlRVpMVCi5nVuQpLBuSwCHc3nefcXetWfcgurke7LTkpBweIU-xWUTmX3iLiEmCkK9ciZJLaDfziug/s320/IMG_3989.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The migration assistant doing its thing</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>It's worth checking your software for the latest updates. I found a few programs that needed updating, and a couple that needed some reconnecting (my backup programs for example knew that although I'd migrated everything, it was on a new computer and I needed to tell it that it was OK for the new box to "claim" the settings for use on this iMac.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSl3NXwwj6mAcSpQ8Zh2C7AURovmxN-3noqYusNlbQw-ykiIWRa1SVv3aoj82k7x7OPEZ06uQeq8yszbjVIcOJi47wO7FbpJt8JM11HCjYhS68lKVPH2CDveTeueJ9lF_va44uQQKvcBXZYbuPn3tgj0K7s_TD4weBBzVD2tpEez5HguQQZQ/s3300/IMG_3990.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3022" data-original-width="3300" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSl3NXwwj6mAcSpQ8Zh2C7AURovmxN-3noqYusNlbQw-ykiIWRa1SVv3aoj82k7x7OPEZ06uQeq8yszbjVIcOJi47wO7FbpJt8JM11HCjYhS68lKVPH2CDveTeueJ9lF_va44uQQKvcBXZYbuPn3tgj0K7s_TD4weBBzVD2tpEez5HguQQZQ/s320/IMG_3990.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to rock and roll</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Generally, it was a painless exercise, completed pretty quickly until I got a message saying there was an update for the operating system. That took another hour or so, but installed without problem.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm very happy. The new screen is gorgeous (it's 10 years of technology advancements newer) and the unit runs fast, quiet and is a joy to look at.</div><div><br /></div><div>NowI need to work out what to do with my old iMac. It's still perfectly functional.</div><div><br /></div>Twitter: @Statto1927 <div>Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/people/simon_hiscocks/ </div><div>Instagram: simon_hiscocks
</div>Stattohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05101176230353582280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372129.post-53194887059347169812023-06-26T14:37:00.004+01:002023-06-26T14:37:25.112+01:00Lake District Part 5<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJyWWlEBhQ99J0DreJAbdRHxyyNhVwI5O9BNnJTX5HDPGRF1JKSk7_ScSf9UTtnlCf7iqjIP9Ls31QeKy-YUA3RVuRvsZ3oMzMbBSiBoq92ExhkM5caLSJbLcmBEABE9y-Hyiq9E0VhkrrKdsxRa0VjI_4euSw8FjNsFjXvECcDAzn9qYo-g/s4032/18B83797-E79A-487A-9894-54BBA26CE8F8_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJyWWlEBhQ99J0DreJAbdRHxyyNhVwI5O9BNnJTX5HDPGRF1JKSk7_ScSf9UTtnlCf7iqjIP9Ls31QeKy-YUA3RVuRvsZ3oMzMbBSiBoq92ExhkM5caLSJbLcmBEABE9y-Hyiq9E0VhkrrKdsxRa0VjI_4euSw8FjNsFjXvECcDAzn9qYo-g/s320/18B83797-E79A-487A-9894-54BBA26CE8F8_1_201_a.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reflecting on a fantastic week</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>FRIDAY - THE LAST DAY: GRASMERE & RYDAL WATER</b></span></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">So our week drew to a close as we woke on our final full day. And yes, the sun was still shining - how lucky have we been? For our last day we'd decided to do a circular walk from Grasmere around both </span><span style="color: #0000e9; font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;">Grasmere and Rydal</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> Water. This included a walk part way along the "</span><span style="color: #0000e9; font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;">Coffin Route</span><span style="font-kerning: none;">", a large stony and undualting trail underneath Nab Fell between Ambleside and Grasmere. The Coffin Route was traditionally used to carry the dead from Rydal and Ambleside to St Oswald's Church in Grasmere for a christian burial. That's a fair old way to lug a coffin, but thoughtfully there is a "coffin stone" about half way between Grasmere and Rydal where presumably the coffin bearers could take a well earned rest!</span></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p></div><div>First though as we left Grasmere we past Dove Cottage, yet another of William Wordsworth's previous homes in the area.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYDx_Qq3KX5LOBWSPgIu2A4s-6E9IWp9eAK5X-ZbV1vVJx2VREaSRFLFTjQ_j7CIe6noBXl-WZnO8-PXJOffkq88laUQiDfGPezDjGuIJjlG2NGdSOrxnO_WzU7HZuPLcREOXX3nkk88vA7R-32rBhk1EgLfNG9Bd4Nv65gkcY2T38V09BBA/s4032/A1E860C6-3C14-412B-8614-2D9D3F8DFE43.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYDx_Qq3KX5LOBWSPgIu2A4s-6E9IWp9eAK5X-ZbV1vVJx2VREaSRFLFTjQ_j7CIe6noBXl-WZnO8-PXJOffkq88laUQiDfGPezDjGuIJjlG2NGdSOrxnO_WzU7HZuPLcREOXX3nkk88vA7R-32rBhk1EgLfNG9Bd4Nv65gkcY2T38V09BBA/s320/A1E860C6-3C14-412B-8614-2D9D3F8DFE43.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dove Cottage</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ObMk5U5z8M9iIN06SmDYSRTAZGVtJUIs6yVauJPN6KQe2PtEBqWwICDKN_HgvSoaj9Z1lQD2ImqXIei9G27CtqEHMGqwn5C14tyFEaCJuQXdnarMdZZ4lv-2cy8pzdrSj9AMXmHrNfajRaDaPDmk6lGJ66lrWMaetqpbpVEb2WHTA1NnjA/s4032/E4845AF0-038F-4130-9BB9-8AF218198DF3.heic" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ObMk5U5z8M9iIN06SmDYSRTAZGVtJUIs6yVauJPN6KQe2PtEBqWwICDKN_HgvSoaj9Z1lQD2ImqXIei9G27CtqEHMGqwn5C14tyFEaCJuQXdnarMdZZ4lv-2cy8pzdrSj9AMXmHrNfajRaDaPDmk6lGJ66lrWMaetqpbpVEb2WHTA1NnjA/s320/E4845AF0-038F-4130-9BB9-8AF218198DF3.heic" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signpost for the Coffin Route just outside Grasmere<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVBJL2bqIhN6HrpXDhbMDmSJmp6gH8ziGeYlex2PzIB8wBGYMfmxfEs82IA_egKHIRjNbKkIQZg5y6FQa8ZKoz0OcQ-QVwzWo6cVAHA7f1qV12oLnWjBJRp5O0JTO7w1bUSNKa283gmY8Occq9qE-xLukKs5A_O3jV5SER9wx6pfZTsQLX8w/s4032/AFF2E215-40AF-4D86-8FDB-B28CEB758424.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVBJL2bqIhN6HrpXDhbMDmSJmp6gH8ziGeYlex2PzIB8wBGYMfmxfEs82IA_egKHIRjNbKkIQZg5y6FQa8ZKoz0OcQ-QVwzWo6cVAHA7f1qV12oLnWjBJRp5O0JTO7w1bUSNKa283gmY8Occq9qE-xLukKs5A_O3jV5SER9wx6pfZTsQLX8w/s320/AFF2E215-40AF-4D86-8FDB-B28CEB758424.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Coffin Stone</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>As we descended off the Coffin Route into Rydal, we were presented with a choice for a refreshment stop, at either <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwju58qYgeH_AhWXScAKHX9VBPcQFnoECAkQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rydalmount.co.uk%2F&usg=AOvVaw1xHUD8oWUWqJ14XZHUUYu-&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Rydal Mount</a> or <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjKgp-OgeH_AhXXQUEAHTp9AIMQFnoECAoQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rydalhall.org%2F&usg=AOvVaw3GLiM3aBoNxcKTQiJU2wmK&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Rydal Hall</a>. We chose the latter (on advice from my younger brother whose been a regular visit to these parts), but as we were only stopping for a quick coffee either would have sufficed.</div><br /><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipPqadWJkrUt78A4WlXU1UiCrE3UDy50hMIfU9cC0yBDnst1hlZ02NxgZcg8ehy2BKQk2Q16WoApgZe2cckSQj_J1tJtNvZCxgeVBHuylQ9Px82IkK2clbrE5h31fHCua6OEhJ9fiyV5pytU5dPdthPvdpnCMR-eMJ28pRgs6l5rnokE6UQ/s4032/7F001914-9D7E-4688-A9A9-EAAA64B67C86.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipPqadWJkrUt78A4WlXU1UiCrE3UDy50hMIfU9cC0yBDnst1hlZ02NxgZcg8ehy2BKQk2Q16WoApgZe2cckSQj_J1tJtNvZCxgeVBHuylQ9Px82IkK2clbrE5h31fHCua6OEhJ9fiyV5pytU5dPdthPvdpnCMR-eMJ28pRgs6l5rnokE6UQ/s320/7F001914-9D7E-4688-A9A9-EAAA64B67C86.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rydal Hall</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div>After a pleasant coffee stop (albeit with a piece of overpriced flapjack), we crossed the A591 and crossed a footbridge over the river Rothay. From here we wound along a wooded footpath before coming out into the open on the banks of Rydal Water. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLkLQzsGx6ayTV2PXrUriIGoI4xpZjIup_zOQivmSq1fD5mm_bKYpDDGVTJ8ShwNJkneWfaotBNtfP6BhxUTtDCex8faHH7rfSi7dq2hNNd9fuwU4Tn3wPbes6TT_wSrBwwAYTzOliPj_2mCKUa5Bm4iR7HznRsnPEQEAjvlWDHs3uozp-5w/s4032/72CD4482-D092-457E-9A22-CC24FA818C7D.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLkLQzsGx6ayTV2PXrUriIGoI4xpZjIup_zOQivmSq1fD5mm_bKYpDDGVTJ8ShwNJkneWfaotBNtfP6BhxUTtDCex8faHH7rfSi7dq2hNNd9fuwU4Tn3wPbes6TT_wSrBwwAYTzOliPj_2mCKUa5Bm4iR7HznRsnPEQEAjvlWDHs3uozp-5w/s320/72CD4482-D092-457E-9A22-CC24FA818C7D.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rydal Water</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>A gravelly beach was athrong with sunbathers and swimmers, and we wound past them and climbed a path towards <a href="https://www.visitlakedistrict.com/things-to-do/rydal-cave-p1368191" target="_blank">Rydal Cave</a>. This is an enormous man made cave, dug out though slate quarrying. The water was deep enough and big enough to be carrying a substantial amount of small fish, and again, there were plenty of people here taking advantage of the opportunity to cool down in the shade of the cave.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSOAOs3vniGeBHNQagOYoNZf1-IeNgxeooOTqK2hmf5aIKyNG2QnxYmMc0GKPrOGvcHDD7A-vHt4p028S1eNLXRVvd0pRBoPJF1aGy02J3W9rvbmOci9UU32oqHhKI182wZTVFbXnY0OAyi8yEG-LGY-Do64YLGRZ9T3vQO5rwpI59E9cHXA/s13176/3314AA90-C696-4EF2-A9EF-F6DA9E37080E.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3900" data-original-width="13176" height="95" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSOAOs3vniGeBHNQagOYoNZf1-IeNgxeooOTqK2hmf5aIKyNG2QnxYmMc0GKPrOGvcHDD7A-vHt4p028S1eNLXRVvd0pRBoPJF1aGy02J3W9rvbmOci9UU32oqHhKI182wZTVFbXnY0OAyi8yEG-LGY-Do64YLGRZ9T3vQO5rwpI59E9cHXA/s320/3314AA90-C696-4EF2-A9EF-F6DA9E37080E.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rydal Cave panorama</td></tr></tbody></table><div><div><br /></div><div>Descending from the path we stopped at he edge of the lake for a picnic, away from the busy area, and watched a pier of common sandpipers calling and flitting around the edges of the water. I'm guessing they had a nest there and didn't like us near them (although we were in fact about 50 yards away!)</div><div><br /></div><div>After some replenishment we wanted onwards though some more woods before coming to the shores of Grasmere. The path - sometimes a well maintained flat gravelly path, sometimes more reminiscent of a limestone/large cobbled pavement wound around the edge of Grasmere, with the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjcga-hg-H_AhUn7rsIHYK9CtkQFnoECAkQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.daffodilhotel.co.uk%2F&usg=AOvVaw0iDIql0dQzuWaS3gsXC9wq&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Daffodil Hotel</a>, and <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/lake-district/allan-bank-and-grasmere" target="_blank">Allan Bank</a> coming into view. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ik75SgnYfNTp9VuTqIPWpkIzWIvwCf1DEqlQA8EUxizzuQpx-VCuCwUdVHePEkRomNcIhNeR_WKv9KeqUpYKvARq7yio42xLxECSjlgtsdB_kd7G9fP8R8Spc0Z4Df4tB-FqbQ_kVvrRT1DFpp-_PEr69NU9Z5U2Da_XmRaTXWu2UQPplA/s4032/D93D76E6-659B-4C43-83B5-DC7D989B58A7_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ik75SgnYfNTp9VuTqIPWpkIzWIvwCf1DEqlQA8EUxizzuQpx-VCuCwUdVHePEkRomNcIhNeR_WKv9KeqUpYKvARq7yio42xLxECSjlgtsdB_kd7G9fP8R8Spc0Z4Df4tB-FqbQ_kVvrRT1DFpp-_PEr69NU9Z5U2Da_XmRaTXWu2UQPplA/s320/D93D76E6-659B-4C43-83B5-DC7D989B58A7_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grasmere with<br />Allan Bank (left)<br />Helm Crag (left)<br />Daffodil Hotel (right)</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>A short climb off the path took us to Redbank Road, a tricky road that leads you over Loughrigg Fell (not for the faint hearted apparently) which we followed into Grasmere. Just before the village we took advantage of yet another opportunity for a refreshment stop at the rather quaint and pretty rustic <a href="https://www.faeryland.co.uk/" target="_blank">Faeryland</a>. The pot offers rowing boat hire, a tea garden (some benches and tables) some Romany artefacts including a proper Romany caravan (although this is private), and as well as coffee, cold drinks and snacks, an anazing selection of 53 different varieties of loose leaf tea, many blended by the owner himself. Apparently his grandmother used to mix tea, and the passion wore off on him. I had a Romany Tea, and I have to say it was very refreshing. My pot gave me three cups and I polished them all off!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqLe8AxhbAoOfF3lY-CBRvCHeMnngXGmpk1qqM7BIkI2n0LK0X4yLLiQ2QS_SjXdRzmo6H8aa3dD1mBq7KDU_kpvzceGmEF6_0JkEpP8yaVLw1shVswbw4sXskrREJUGbJOcOxoVAM8FglYNdT-E35bsI0cTszAgo8lNn6DbdW1XHe3gsqeQ/s4032/2B11C934-3215-4148-98BC-E2A752EA20F2.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqLe8AxhbAoOfF3lY-CBRvCHeMnngXGmpk1qqM7BIkI2n0LK0X4yLLiQ2QS_SjXdRzmo6H8aa3dD1mBq7KDU_kpvzceGmEF6_0JkEpP8yaVLw1shVswbw4sXskrREJUGbJOcOxoVAM8FglYNdT-E35bsI0cTszAgo8lNn6DbdW1XHe3gsqeQ/s320/2B11C934-3215-4148-98BC-E2A752EA20F2.heic" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Faeryland</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><div>By the time we got "home" we'd walked 7 miles. We certainly needed a quieter evening, and we celebrated the end of our holiday with a meal in the pub across the road, the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiu8f7FheH_AhVGe8AKHUy4D9oQFnoECAoQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftheinnatgrasmere.co.uk%2F&usg=AOvVaw07kFtn0nl7BUXiwAtOgWrq&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Inn at Grasmere</a>, before a couple of pints at our "local" for the week, and then it was back to the cottage and packing for our departure the next day.</div><div><br /></div><div>We had a fabulous week on our first proper visit to the Lakes - well mine anyway. Of course wall to wall sunshine helped - we could have left all our wet weather and colder weather gear at home, but you never can tell - even on sunny days you need to be prepared, especially if you're going walking in the hills.</div><div><br /></div><div>My take away from the week are as follows:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Stunning scenery</li><li>It's busy (and that's not in school holiday time)</li><li>Millions of outdoor shops</li><li>Millions of tea rooms, cafes, snack places etc</li><li>Plenty f places to escape the crowds</li><li>No need to climb high if you don't want to</li><li>National Trust membership gives you value</li><li>We'll be back</li></ul></div><div>The best of our <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/simon_hiscocks/albums/72177720309253438" target="_blank">Lakes Photo Album</a> (Flickr)<div><br /></div>Twitter: @Statto1927 <div>Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/people/simon_hiscocks/ </div>Instagram: simon_hiscocks </div></div></div></div>Stattohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05101176230353582280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372129.post-57084514778522488062023-06-26T13:38:00.004+01:002023-06-26T13:38:59.381+01:00Lake District Part 4<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRYN5bN9nMBJz0-1t9_Gkasj8lLr4-wBJtYQ6sLXg6m1Utqlz6Mh_PbXoW0v2W1DjpSd05NB7e51DQfI27D4A3DmZ2NnkM8TkcbdavmUYoc0qmtfl82Mi53qM_y5rv6c1ACUH5ZICQPtzDxbFY25vhP4-Mb4ZDF-WgIe82wZzE3b8-x7eRAw/s4032/AA2BB839-3B7E-4AB9-919A-25F036162B52.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRYN5bN9nMBJz0-1t9_Gkasj8lLr4-wBJtYQ6sLXg6m1Utqlz6Mh_PbXoW0v2W1DjpSd05NB7e51DQfI27D4A3DmZ2NnkM8TkcbdavmUYoc0qmtfl82Mi53qM_y5rv6c1ACUH5ZICQPtzDxbFY25vhP4-Mb4ZDF-WgIe82wZzE3b8-x7eRAw/s320/AA2BB839-3B7E-4AB9-919A-25F036162B52.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ullswater towards Glenridding</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>THURSDAY - AIRA FORCE OR AIRA TRICKLE?</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On our penultimate day the sun was still shining fiercely, with our fleeces, long trousers and raincoats still in the suitcases where they'd been all week. One of our pre-trip plans had been to go to the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiCyYCM9eD_AhWLhFwKHZqvAS4QFnoECB0QAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nationaltrust.org.uk%2Fvisit%2Flake-district%2Faira-force-and-gowbarrow-park&usg=AOvVaw3BrQzHD9QSR4RGeNkRvcT-&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Aira Force series of waterfalls near Ullswater</a> so we hopped into the car. I'd wanted to drive there over the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiGm_Kp9eD_AhWRQEEAHRL_BsEQFnoECAwQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.visitcumbria.com%2Famb%2Fkirkstone-pass%2F&usg=AOvVaw3YTKkSzN7yptLNP5b64Kwq&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Kirkstone Pass</a>, the highest pass in the region open to traffic and then loop back past <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiQpNGD9uD_AhWTGMAKHXquALMQFnoECAoQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.visitcumbria.com%2Fkes%2Fthirlmere%2F&usg=AOvVaw3u7yxy1hNjf2VTIvZ9UaSc&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Thirlmere</a>. Unfortunately it was closed the whole week we were there for some roadworks, so it looked like we were stuck with a "there and back" trip on the Thirlmere road (not that that was problematic. It just meant seeing the same bit of road twice). The drive up was lovely as we drove along the Thirlmere road, under the base of <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjV4_WN9uD_AhUMesAKHUesDOYQFnoECAwQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FHelvellyn&usg=AOvVaw3RURLHlyysX7siDGfYYkR-&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Helvellyn</a> with initially distant, but fast closing views of the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjJoKqk9uD_AhUPV8AKHQnXAM8QFnoECFgQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FSkiddaw&usg=AOvVaw01Op8XFKhNIDwWpZKt47IL&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Skiddaw</a> range.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once at Aira Force (a National Trust place inevitably, with parking, toilets and a little cafe) we took a gentle stroll up towards the waterfalls. Luckily the path was shaded as it was VERY hot. The several weeks of no rainfall however meant that the waterfalls were little more than a trickle in some places, and not overly spectacular throughout. Never mind - we'd <a href="https://stattos.blogspot.com/2023/05/a-mixed-bag.html" target="_blank">recently visited some decent cascades</a> closer to home in Wales, but at least we'd ticked the box and "done' Aira Force. If we every come back out of summer season, it will be worth another visit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPeMrbbLIm6qnZ2Th47jZAdXr84T7tZcdUilEzHC1YGvMUBmILN-YhZ8bhusk2rMORH-r3lQnLvFA4sw2UaIq-VaAeK8bYFDU-cltg8hNne_ItPHp89FBoODtJoHrxjclpjh3kmZgfDK3t8_mhldFNp7TFlBqioRy-oRRyqAySe5TTuMqToA/s3544/7C4EC292-9338-459D-9931-B30EF2AC8BC6_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3544" data-original-width="2658" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPeMrbbLIm6qnZ2Th47jZAdXr84T7tZcdUilEzHC1YGvMUBmILN-YhZ8bhusk2rMORH-r3lQnLvFA4sw2UaIq-VaAeK8bYFDU-cltg8hNne_ItPHp89FBoODtJoHrxjclpjh3kmZgfDK3t8_mhldFNp7TFlBqioRy-oRRyqAySe5TTuMqToA/s320/7C4EC292-9338-459D-9931-B30EF2AC8BC6_1_201_a.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the smaller cascades at Aira Force.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-pl31MoVCKyuM59-D-aV7G9MvPP8hp1RKfC-RhYxwzE2QdakrYxUktWMufSRdESbsMdXJWNlR7UhqScrc1YURWiM4dYEQvt_IwNjp2pKnCMFF51LCR62x9SH7bAC_Q8hNDo3wiLmLCJkVqahPFKXhZwf8YCS3at0LSv9XpJrMDhKA-TGqFg/s4032/835AC3D9-E407-4213-A2D2-72974FE5811E.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-pl31MoVCKyuM59-D-aV7G9MvPP8hp1RKfC-RhYxwzE2QdakrYxUktWMufSRdESbsMdXJWNlR7UhqScrc1YURWiM4dYEQvt_IwNjp2pKnCMFF51LCR62x9SH7bAC_Q8hNDo3wiLmLCJkVqahPFKXhZwf8YCS3at0LSv9XpJrMDhKA-TGqFg/s320/835AC3D9-E407-4213-A2D2-72974FE5811E.heic" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridge across the falls at Aira Force</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>A very short stroll from the car park was Ullswater, so we took a walk down. The views towards Glenridding were fabulous (see top photo in this post), but sadly like so many still waters in the country, there is a significant problem with blue/green algae as the photo below shows. Not a place to go swimming or let your pets or children play in.<br /><br /><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfzmQIViGTReIEy-QVJMiVZsUWJ2w1eW9aCoruiazXeCj2kx3D6qR1rsOCPmkp-AOPce9WSCJ2AgKbfGuUkj-N9GlMphxW6Bw1eCxftK7k-HWrACdzgT79_MXS66RShFAthn0cmoOKsdefO_5kZFZudGg85bi0-8mocARGsKgj-f9T0ND8zg/s3928/2431EAA8-C659-4167-A6B8-F0A32A2E362C_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3928" data-original-width="2945" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfzmQIViGTReIEy-QVJMiVZsUWJ2w1eW9aCoruiazXeCj2kx3D6qR1rsOCPmkp-AOPce9WSCJ2AgKbfGuUkj-N9GlMphxW6Bw1eCxftK7k-HWrACdzgT79_MXS66RShFAthn0cmoOKsdefO_5kZFZudGg85bi0-8mocARGsKgj-f9T0ND8zg/s320/2431EAA8-C659-4167-A6B8-F0A32A2E362C_1_201_a.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue/Green Algae at Ullswater</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Back in the car as it was still fairly early afternoon, we decided to go to a place called "<a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwihp5v79-D_AhVaT0EAHdtfAocQFnoECBEQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.visitlakedistrict.com%2Fthings-to-do%2Fsurprise-view-p1214021&usg=AOvVaw2ZdtRxTqSZ2f4PUCw-2E1e&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Surprise View</a>" Back through Kewsick and down the eastern edge of Derwent Water before climbing a (very) single track road steeply to a rough car park (but NT again - saved a fortune on NT entrance and car park fees this week, making full use of our membership). Literally 20 meters or so from the car park brings you to the view below. Glorious views along Derwent Water, towards Keswick and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiOjuLN-OD_AhVTRkEAHe9qABQQFnoECDEQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.visitcumbria.com%2Fkes%2Fbassenthwaite-lake%2F&usg=AOvVaw0mmqqbI9SpnjKW_gagdWWA&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Bassenthwaite</a> Lake beyond, with Skiddaw in the right hand distance of the frame.</div><br /><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha2_KBmuOnzxNK9VdVRFHpJi5-BLYntGL_Lq3FJZ201wJcErzKcEUcASmVopKSAY8wG87bEe3q33xXy0CAHxWgTY8Syl07QLFL9-fixGx3Xu3ZxtlNwANwSB7tXjhyHRA-twylF7b_aE_LWMM0la7Qgxa_KCA8gY87nnxscyHnHKX9RYziRw/s4032/FD743FCB-5530-4E15-91ED-76A2978FCAC1.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha2_KBmuOnzxNK9VdVRFHpJi5-BLYntGL_Lq3FJZ201wJcErzKcEUcASmVopKSAY8wG87bEe3q33xXy0CAHxWgTY8Syl07QLFL9-fixGx3Xu3ZxtlNwANwSB7tXjhyHRA-twylF7b_aE_LWMM0la7Qgxa_KCA8gY87nnxscyHnHKX9RYziRw/s320/FD743FCB-5530-4E15-91ED-76A2978FCAC1.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Derwent Water and Skiddaw</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div>With views like this it was fairly busy, with some inevitable "instagrammers" posing for ages with their shots, but then what was I doing other than taking some great photos. The difference being I suppose that I was shooting the view not the person.</div><div><br /></div><div>Then it was back home to Grasmere, and then we wandered once again up to <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjg7JGZ-eD_AhXMREEAHZ3hCuEQFnoECAsQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.visitcumbria.com%2Famb%2Fallan-bank%2F&usg=AOvVaw0Hq_IGtEnA2RCSpgR-vya4&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Allan Bank</a> (Wordsworth's old gaff - remember?) to sit and read our books quietly for an hour or so before calling an end to another lovely hot and long day with a nice pint at one of the hostelries in the village.</div></div><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTggtk6Mu47dbht4LhYMr80vOy1e8Q9jOyqF59UajF8XxbE5XPeR89feP7oDlk10SxQip3O5AkOja0JaMYkAAmNiNVwAXEJT4bBAagyJW7NccKR-8xHIBIXVzqHn4lUUKYkYMtEM4JAGNXudbL7ovpp2QwUVftjf9qbV_0y6JMIpgDoH9-HA/s4032/9C45EA78-1B1D-40D3-8DA4-7956D76E4DED.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTggtk6Mu47dbht4LhYMr80vOy1e8Q9jOyqF59UajF8XxbE5XPeR89feP7oDlk10SxQip3O5AkOja0JaMYkAAmNiNVwAXEJT4bBAagyJW7NccKR-8xHIBIXVzqHn4lUUKYkYMtEM4JAGNXudbL7ovpp2QwUVftjf9qbV_0y6JMIpgDoH9-HA/s320/9C45EA78-1B1D-40D3-8DA4-7956D76E4DED.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Allan Bank</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The best of our <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/simon_hiscocks/albums/72177720309253438" target="_blank">Lakes Photo Album</a> (Flickr)<div><br /></div>Twitter: @Statto1927 <div>Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/people/simon_hiscocks/ </div>Instagram: simon_hiscocks Stattohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05101176230353582280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372129.post-64025804912943415502023-06-22T20:27:00.006+01:002023-06-22T20:39:46.200+01:00Lake District Part 3<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3KvIKJDy9M9vYD5-qcnUBTJLjujepC11d-hD6dySid5EGGu3KqXDLQO5_vFqNZs0owvOtsmmyyP9BzhA-nnsqWcR22kVtxOYPgK-OMmGqe01H0tdRExaLTHBUiOSIUC17cAMZjpc5i5nG7P7DawHCyBQbt-CM98B8_UUoAyRIlMAt9cwJyw/s799/52993500693_22bc6e43cf_c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="799" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3KvIKJDy9M9vYD5-qcnUBTJLjujepC11d-hD6dySid5EGGu3KqXDLQO5_vFqNZs0owvOtsmmyyP9BzhA-nnsqWcR22kVtxOYPgK-OMmGqe01H0tdRExaLTHBUiOSIUC17cAMZjpc5i5nG7P7DawHCyBQbt-CM98B8_UUoAyRIlMAt9cwJyw/s320/52993500693_22bc6e43cf_c.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helm Crag <br />(l of centre with a pimple on it)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><b>HELM CRAG DAY - WEDNESDAY</b></div><div>I'd decided that I couldn't come to the Lakes and not climb at least one hill/fell/crag. My knee was holding up (reasonably) well. Anne was looking forward to a morning mooching around Grasmere and its surrounds and having decided Helvellyn was probably a tad too much, I decided to climb Helm Crag, a rocky promontory just outside Grasmere. At 405m it's comfortably less than half <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjmyqGKxNf_AhWJEMAKHXJHADkQFnoECA4QAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FHelvellyn&usg=AOvVaw3RURLHlyysX7siDGfYYkR-&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Helvellyn's</a> 950m and several of the near fells like Dollywagon Pike at 858m, but it's still a decent climb and should give good views. And it wasn't far - less than one and a quarter miles in a straight line from the front door, although nothing's straight here. With another roasting day forecast, I decided that setting off early was the best plan, and left the cottage at 6.30am with plenty of fluid with me and a frozen bottle of water in my pack also. Despite a couple of unintentional detours (I had three guidebooks/leaflets and each one gave me a different way), I eventually ignored the one that said "...ignore the path on your right..." and went up it.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIbcO2FpDOZQayFFBKLYn8WDVDwiL_dAA5TXk-slVYfPH_xRRlIJ-zfncyTY7gZkWlKsQGuZL48rfxRbz1ko19JhzfE9kVhtzBofHhf-zaXlBuwnJk_MoCTxSz5eLY-yQPvQu4rZVfd_vnDAqWjXkbzNH_4CrV9j_NjWIB8cIgpMqDUHXO9Q/s4032/54D11D47-7710-4B65-B3FE-A77E3061D5A4.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIbcO2FpDOZQayFFBKLYn8WDVDwiL_dAA5TXk-slVYfPH_xRRlIJ-zfncyTY7gZkWlKsQGuZL48rfxRbz1ko19JhzfE9kVhtzBofHhf-zaXlBuwnJk_MoCTxSz5eLY-yQPvQu4rZVfd_vnDAqWjXkbzNH_4CrV9j_NjWIB8cIgpMqDUHXO9Q/s320/54D11D47-7710-4B65-B3FE-A77E3061D5A4.heic" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yup - that way</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>It turned out, this was the right way, but it was immediately steep. Well cut stony steps initially turned my mind to Frodo, Sam and Gollum heading into Mordor in Lord of the Rings although I was rather brighter, and there were no orcs in attendance here. I had to stop for a breather a few times, but eventually the path became more of a rocky track before a final scramble to the top of the crag. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Yp3sop62cHtDHmAUQ2ePIFex7lJ3JNbqKio-G5OVF1_c6m3638tsjrKd638TwH-5wVe3g-XZsEywNfh5vNlj6DyfLIc9VZpgk38gTSlLVQ83smtRRWniIJd9TiSy1xDkv5EWPGpNxF0gqTgN9xBuioU2NQrQUGI6EBj2RK23TLMdzQEiYw/s3088/581E352E-5FDA-4A02-B4F5-C75EBE9BC7DE.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Yp3sop62cHtDHmAUQ2ePIFex7lJ3JNbqKio-G5OVF1_c6m3638tsjrKd638TwH-5wVe3g-XZsEywNfh5vNlj6DyfLIc9VZpgk38gTSlLVQ83smtRRWniIJd9TiSy1xDkv5EWPGpNxF0gqTgN9xBuioU2NQrQUGI6EBj2RK23TLMdzQEiYw/s320/581E352E-5FDA-4A02-B4F5-C75EBE9BC7DE.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the summit!<br />Grasmere behind me</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>I'd made it up by 7.50am, not bad going for an old git with a dodgy knee. I had the place to myself, and the views were wonderful. Looking back down to Grasmere I could just see lake Windermere peeking out in the distance. To one side I had the valley we'd climbed to Easdale Tarn, and on the other the fells of Seat Sandal, Dollywagon Pike and beyond, Helvellyn. As I sat there an RAF Hawk screamed up the valley towards Thirlmere BELOW me!</div><div>I mooched around for a bit, visiting the rock formation a little further along known as the "Howitzer" an uncanny resemblance to from certain angles. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiupROKeh7p-9vL3co0NSndICPAz5DxH8Qf_0vYgUcvWQ39OtBbvwa7GsZtk2kmWSplUPfdvwbS4Re-1x4pXcdpGPeBjNx9HPF-euKOHklLA_Puz661lomh5z-De_KiaH7sv677KQkYfrkJNoLWzkC1MEPjuu7WcupcsKJTfggWV35HCLD3mA/s4032/1BB9A755-5C8C-41AF-A47E-1A5BBE7BAC88_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiupROKeh7p-9vL3co0NSndICPAz5DxH8Qf_0vYgUcvWQ39OtBbvwa7GsZtk2kmWSplUPfdvwbS4Re-1x4pXcdpGPeBjNx9HPF-euKOHklLA_Puz661lomh5z-De_KiaH7sv677KQkYfrkJNoLWzkC1MEPjuu7WcupcsKJTfggWV35HCLD3mA/s320/1BB9A755-5C8C-41AF-A47E-1A5BBE7BAC88_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helm Crag summit with Grasmere behind</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRIXrrkoeSdSNYPBGTZnd16f-tzdG8efIGogsseXelBc9NcnmFZyTKYnKbBLNJFkHf5K-ca5woMPFvSGJRwXwkJ-q1KUNgraCzVBdcToPObE_QyJBKrOOfcG7yFjaQKdL8ZJYqqs01obKLSa5Mad9zY2lDXW7abdJ_gH9B6iIO-YNal4FgXQ/s2048/52993492563_6f26ed80b1_k.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRIXrrkoeSdSNYPBGTZnd16f-tzdG8efIGogsseXelBc9NcnmFZyTKYnKbBLNJFkHf5K-ca5woMPFvSGJRwXwkJ-q1KUNgraCzVBdcToPObE_QyJBKrOOfcG7yFjaQKdL8ZJYqqs01obKLSa5Mad9zY2lDXW7abdJ_gH9B6iIO-YNal4FgXQ/s320/52993492563_6f26ed80b1_k.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A distant view of Easdale Tarn <br />where we'd been on our first day</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_5-jZqx6gRNSouEasu5Ui73oemb5KxITjOTR9KtfTWEoHa8z56miI5PeH8bR-Yuyxy846evx4PwISW0r7mPkfPL_OUm7usdlsGXTdbn5NdArrgKafW-c16DvR1KixJiCqanYVmr5aZFFwYZu8Hkf270jRK5oY6H0Y1KpiWv5ZpTtGTCSxg/s4032/2959F266-3391-4FFB-9FDD-59D9081C8900.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_5-jZqx6gRNSouEasu5Ui73oemb5KxITjOTR9KtfTWEoHa8z56miI5PeH8bR-Yuyxy846evx4PwISW0r7mPkfPL_OUm7usdlsGXTdbn5NdArrgKafW-c16DvR1KixJiCqanYVmr5aZFFwYZu8Hkf270jRK5oY6H0Y1KpiWv5ZpTtGTCSxg/s320/2959F266-3391-4FFB-9FDD-59D9081C8900.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "Howitzer"</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0i5HXQfLcVTnq22bpYV4MRO3ne3FHHkZibQMJTkeQhYJATOQNGkPlpdDctqpgXWYzelmSUlbhEfxb52GYVdaFKtcNblRke8gEcqlm8H8SYe6IV0303l5F3ZWNyQEeTRTxXHbzLPr0yhQ69DNbgT9caJzj8oN2v1A-eO0uoa3QVbrVXNP2w/s4032/ED1DE449-715B-4846-96B3-8707DB9F56F2.heic" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0i5HXQfLcVTnq22bpYV4MRO3ne3FHHkZibQMJTkeQhYJATOQNGkPlpdDctqpgXWYzelmSUlbhEfxb52GYVdaFKtcNblRke8gEcqlm8H8SYe6IV0303l5F3ZWNyQEeTRTxXHbzLPr0yhQ69DNbgT9caJzj8oN2v1A-eO0uoa3QVbrVXNP2w/s320/ED1DE449-715B-4846-96B3-8707DB9F56F2.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grasmere</td></tr></tbody></table>After about 20 minutes I saw a woman arrive at the top not far away from me - I'd have said in her 50's, with walking poles and pack. We had an amiable chat and I remarked that it was a steep old climb up. She said "Oh it's not too bad. I was going to climb Dollywagon Pike (a mere 858m remember) but I was doing the cool run so I'm just going along this ridge, round the fell and back down". Turns out she was 61and was walking about 8 miles or so, and for here this was an "easy" day - she went out about 3 times a week apparently!<div><br /></div><div>I left her to crack on, but as the day was still young, and I was feeling good, decided to follow her route along the ridge for a while rather than head back down. The map (a proper OS map now) now showed me there <i style="font-weight: bold;">should</i> be a path I could take down into the valley to return. Ambling along the ridge was sublime. I passed two other walkers (a couple) and that was it. The weather was gorgeous, the views immense and all I had for company were buzzards, jackdaws, a few scraggy sheep, a distant pheasant and a few other birds - plus some annoying horse fly type insects who thought my legs looked a bit tasty. I passed prominences on the ridge called Gibson's Knott, Moment Brow and Moment Crag heading for the Pike of Carrs, wondering how these landmarks got their names, when I came to the path down that I was looking for.</div><div><br /></div><div>There followed a long initially steep but shallowing decent from the rockiness of the crags, into a wide green valley occupied increasingly by sheep, wheatears and vibrant foxgloves. It was as peaceful as anything - or it was until a number of <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwj65raMytf_AhULZsAKHR6NAcYQFnoECBMQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FMcDonnell_Douglas_F-15E_Strike_Eagle&usg=AOvVaw1zAqiMfME8-uioFqhllnGv&opi=89978449" target="_blank">F15 Strike Eagles</a> came screaming through - this time above me - but not by much. Seems like this is a regular loop for them, much like the <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjLw-r_ydf_AhVGhFwKHWSIBTYQFnoECA8QAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fmachloop.co.uk%2F&usg=AOvVaw3yjVvp2eXB1IMiqknaw5nv&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Mach Loop</a> in North Wales. Indeed they'd been a regular occurrence over Grasmere all week, but too quick and with me in too much cover to catch the. Here though I heard them coming and set myself up to catch them.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzg9xXRlk17ny1WHtrBPq33fZ5eQ2gurGNO298gLqHad6Rrbz2ANDfsA-yTcKE-pFEBhg01tKtPSeM' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMd2c3yQQ9JI7RNfImFkHEQVlChKkFkPnuLZBL7seOYCSeQR2psQA6eNlcaQdena5q-Jm6kSV858fVLyorZZwyJ1JWkfoP8y4ci2d3nvygRH59h9ES89Em_NwdZCwoQVgjEVwpLpvxxLz8UZ_7H1ZIIJYZaBX8Vn0VCbYrdf56PoNbVlCOdg/s4032/2AE80F57-8E33-4871-B4F1-6F2CBC928D4D_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMd2c3yQQ9JI7RNfImFkHEQVlChKkFkPnuLZBL7seOYCSeQR2psQA6eNlcaQdena5q-Jm6kSV858fVLyorZZwyJ1JWkfoP8y4ci2d3nvygRH59h9ES89Em_NwdZCwoQVgjEVwpLpvxxLz8UZ_7H1ZIIJYZaBX8Vn0VCbYrdf56PoNbVlCOdg/s320/2AE80F57-8E33-4871-B4F1-6F2CBC928D4D_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the walk down</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Eventually I cam to habitation and a proper road, albeit still a mile or two from the village, and made my way across footpaths to the Travellers Rest where we'd eaten a couple of days before, for a well earned cup of tea. After a 20 minute walk back into Grasmere, it turned out I'd walked almost 10 miles, but I felt pretty pleased with myself, and even better, the knee was still in one piece.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anne meanwhile had enjoyed herself bumbling around the village taking it easy and paying a visit to the famous <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjineGjzNf_AhWk57sIHSWwCbkQFnoECAsQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.grasmeregingerbread.co.uk%2F&usg=AOvVaw0Zh77jMTK-iJZnh7_IRub-&opi=89978449" target="_blank">gingerbread shop</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>After half an hour icing the knee as a precaution, we wanted up a lane to <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiGnfatzNf_AhXugP0HHT-CCD0QFnoECBcQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nationaltrust.org.uk%2Fvisit%2Flake-district%2Fallan-bank-and-grasmere&usg=AOvVaw1RyZvRciSgd2xbjeb16RCY&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Allan Bank</a>, once an abode of William Wordsworth, now a National Trust place, where we just sat in the garden overlooking Grasmere for an hour or so, availing ourselves of free tea, and reading a book in some dappled shade. Very grown up like.</div><div><br /></div><div>That evening, we ate out at our local, Tweedies, where I had an enormous plate of fish and chips washed down with a couple of very nice beers. </div><div><br /></div><div>A very pleasant day indeed.<br /><div><br /></div><div>The best of our <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/simon_hiscocks/albums/72177720309253438" target="_blank">Lakes Photo Album</a> (Flickr)</div><div><br /></div>Twitter: @Statto1927 <div>Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/people/simon_hiscocks/ </div>Instagram: simon_hiscocks </div>Stattohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05101176230353582280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7372129.post-24087553812696467562023-06-22T15:51:00.004+01:002023-06-22T15:51:46.144+01:00Lake District Part 2<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGD36keK2ePTgMtKDi-6zbQXBa5LmVog9wG1vOV9FcnvcLBTIKh7FsMN9vZn1qEl1_E8MKfXVfaC7TlL9f7vUFtfOvkF1cfbwOyHDFJhLDFrKyWsj1TFzajIonO1x6R-jk9QIAeaZCBMF2DgH78pjcu4n3wm84hOsKib1kedDVIiedD_V2fA/s4032/6625F492-30B3-4D09-B8EA-1D28FBD4BF2E.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGD36keK2ePTgMtKDi-6zbQXBa5LmVog9wG1vOV9FcnvcLBTIKh7FsMN9vZn1qEl1_E8MKfXVfaC7TlL9f7vUFtfOvkF1cfbwOyHDFJhLDFrKyWsj1TFzajIonO1x6R-jk9QIAeaZCBMF2DgH78pjcu4n3wm84hOsKib1kedDVIiedD_V2fA/s320/6625F492-30B3-4D09-B8EA-1D28FBD4BF2E.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Windermere with distant Cumbrian hills</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><b>ON THE WATER - MONDAY</b></div><div>Well you can't seriously "do" the Lake District without a boat trip on <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjrhN22h9f_AhWRP8AKHYXqBHcQFnoECA0QAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lakedistrict.gov.uk%2Fvisiting%2Fplaces-to-go%2Fexplore-windermere-and-ambleside&usg=AOvVaw2VO4Wt8QMKl5x0LMNq0N73&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Windermere</a> can you?</div><div>We made the short drive into Ambleside from Grasmere (about 10-15 minutes) parking at Waterhead at the northern end of Windermere. We paid for our tickets at a little booth by the pier, taking the "red" offer (a round trip to <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjM1N2HiNf_AhXJS0EAHU0BCagQFnoECDQQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.visitcumbria.com%2Famb%2Fbowness-on-windermere%2F&usg=AOvVaw3wo4rZ_ehn1S9caVN6Lq0f&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Bowness-on-Windermere</a>) where we could hop off and then get any red ticketed boat back to Waterhead. </div><div><br /></div><div>The views across windermere were fabulous. Less fabulous was the evident scum and algae on the water at the pier. If you weren't aware there is real and valid concern that Windermere's water quality due to sewage means the lake is in danger of dying. Just Google it and you'll be inundated, but <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwip7dariNf_AhXXPsAKHSCxDkQQFnoECDYQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mirror.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fuk-news%2Fsewage-windermere-killing-crown-jewel-30068967&usg=AOvVaw1Pw4Jr1zkw8sQq3bJhecPU&opi=89978449" target="_blank">here's just one example</a>. Out in the middle of the lake, this was less evident, but you can't help but see it up close to the shoreline.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, once out on the water we took the gentle ride on the diesel electric boat Swift down to Bowness - about 5 miles along the 10.5 mile length of Windermere. Boats aplenty adorned the lake along with paddle boarders, kayakers and various wildfowl.</div><div><br /></div><div>Disembarking at Bowness the sun was doing it's best to roast us, and we headed off to find a cooling iced coffee, which wasn't too hard as the place is festooned with cafes and coffee houses. In all honestly, it was so hot, and so busy we decided not to stay too long, and caught the boat back to Waterhead and Ambleside fairly quickly. The views coming back were even better. </div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQJwOAcvbwKGL8lhioaIOSubNnkMn_-oLxs9Z9_xdYSG4kSbcvfWfD7GbWljoM9IZ0VTKnTk3WBjrMTEbym52cqJEF22CYf9Tsku79zfl7FZnrb73o2kxs2etnB4rsMKhb8vgG_iGBKAwzXoEmRyQLOECpZC8gXKSVTN5vryYPMvqYYkLQg/s6240/D4CB939B-1315-487B-BFD2-19368FB1DC88_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="6240" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQJwOAcvbwKGL8lhioaIOSubNnkMn_-oLxs9Z9_xdYSG4kSbcvfWfD7GbWljoM9IZ0VTKnTk3WBjrMTEbym52cqJEF22CYf9Tsku79zfl7FZnrb73o2kxs2etnB4rsMKhb8vgG_iGBKAwzXoEmRyQLOECpZC8gXKSVTN5vryYPMvqYYkLQg/s320/D4CB939B-1315-487B-BFD2-19368FB1DC88_1_201_a.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tourist boat with the Langdale Pikes behind</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabwFNFGHacZHwLPzWnU9AcQG41FFTL4cUB3fuaQlRLnYFvr60fENjfMyBW6fYVeImva-iiAVNVkr8EGS-mloxH9B40nYtyvE9_IbjC4UwXtzrJi05PkFK-I9ytRte2CGZlXN2GHSkLA6vCBU_iOTwhQpjwGxtqljKmqSjEdymK998ujycLQ/s6240/D29AC1A0-ED47-448C-B919-D675F0380305.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="6240" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabwFNFGHacZHwLPzWnU9AcQG41FFTL4cUB3fuaQlRLnYFvr60fENjfMyBW6fYVeImva-iiAVNVkr8EGS-mloxH9B40nYtyvE9_IbjC4UwXtzrJi05PkFK-I9ytRte2CGZlXN2GHSkLA6vCBU_iOTwhQpjwGxtqljKmqSjEdymK998ujycLQ/s320/D29AC1A0-ED47-448C-B919-D675F0380305.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching Waterhead with the Fairfield Horseshoe behind</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>We caught a shuttle (looked and felt like a converted milk float, £2.50pp one way) into Ambleside where we found a spot for lunch at the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwi2tJPEitf_AhXQS0EAHZdDBN8QFnoECAsQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fdogfuriendly.com%2Feat-and-drink%2Fthe-giggling-goose-ambleside%2F&usg=AOvVaw3b6uErJrbEviZkajrArCiz&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Giggling Goose</a> cafe. We then walked a few yards and found the rather quirky Bridge house - basically a one up, one down house on a small bridge! We wandered around Ambleside for a bit (lots of outdoor shops and cafes) before calling it a day, walking the mile or so back to Waterhead and picking up the car.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8uz28iZ9HyJq7ZaYoH6SmtgAg02tCOi1hH26oO9Qne9XZ0TO09Nnb7MQSn2GuN1E9KUjq6-IiyF6zxN0eKHJ8vOl3nnryD3zVOSeD4YSnz81QDwlUES2toTxF8udSffjaDCyd6UIkCMfRTXRIIWPrDvfhQosBdoca0f8J12aszF5_6HXyLA/s3845/BCBFDCC2-218A-4B91-B056-E0325C071137_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3845" data-original-width="2884" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8uz28iZ9HyJq7ZaYoH6SmtgAg02tCOi1hH26oO9Qne9XZ0TO09Nnb7MQSn2GuN1E9KUjq6-IiyF6zxN0eKHJ8vOl3nnryD3zVOSeD4YSnz81QDwlUES2toTxF8udSffjaDCyd6UIkCMfRTXRIIWPrDvfhQosBdoca0f8J12aszF5_6HXyLA/s320/BCBFDCC2-218A-4B91-B056-E0325C071137_1_201_a.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The quirky Bridge House, Ambleside</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>That evening we'd booked a meal at the <a href="https://www.lakedistrictinns.co.uk/travellers-rest" target="_blank">Traveller's Res</a>t, a pub about a 20 minute walk along the road from Grasmere. We had a gentle stroll arriving about 30 minutes early for our booking, expecting to have to have a drink before being seated, but were ushered into the small restaurant straight away. It was fairly rustic (think church like pew seats and all used wooden tables), but the food was excellent, the beer exceptional and the service friendly and efficient. The sort of place you'd definitely go back to.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>MORE LAKES - TUESDAY</b></div><div>Tuesday dawned like all the days before it. Hot and sunny. We drove towards Coniston before turning off down an increasingly narrow road towards a place called Tarn Hows (why Tarn comes first for once and not Hows Tarn I don't know). Parking at an already filling up National Trust car park, we walked down to the lake. It's an easy walk around on a gravelled and sometimes stony path, and as you come around the far side you get absolutely stunning views of the lake with the fells of the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjv2OjPjNf_AhWRP8AKHYXqBHcQFnoECEsQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FOld_Man_of_Coniston&usg=AOvVaw2ft2n1jzyHB_Ny7O7-Y1nf&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Old Man of Coniston</a> and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjCvf3cjNf_AhWVbcAKHbK-AYgQFnoECAoQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FWetherlam&usg=AOvVaw23xIw2u69RUSLtfMsr2j-4&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Wetherlam</a> behind. It took me a good while before I could walk away from such stunning views.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CeLWWgf0JdNU3hVQgIIOAxeTJNKh67NGAUGy8hre0CNJ3X0EhBkAF36kQlNWivQ5evW167VrJQcouOQ6AzF1KmnUe7AJSvGY4lo6-SdcjeNE-uTB16MGwSeKH9wO_FdUvG2S8zBHYxekVNcXwYIe1rz2UD-UTGWUjG3xjkh7XTuU_SoWPA/s4032/D8C31836-0AAC-41FC-902D-9C5D2285B1EE.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CeLWWgf0JdNU3hVQgIIOAxeTJNKh67NGAUGy8hre0CNJ3X0EhBkAF36kQlNWivQ5evW167VrJQcouOQ6AzF1KmnUe7AJSvGY4lo6-SdcjeNE-uTB16MGwSeKH9wO_FdUvG2S8zBHYxekVNcXwYIe1rz2UD-UTGWUjG3xjkh7XTuU_SoWPA/s320/D8C31836-0AAC-41FC-902D-9C5D2285B1EE.heic" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tarn Hows with the fells of <br />The Old Man of Coniston and<br />Wetherlam behind</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>We then drove down to a place called <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiip7e9jdf_AhWlTkEAHYl8B5gQFnoECA8QAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.brantwood.org.uk%2F&usg=AOvVaw0ktQeC4Prna1TpVd5Achgc&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Brantwood</a> down more very narrow lanes on the eastern side of Coniston Water, primarily on the recommendation of a few people for it's great cafe, although it's also a house and gardens and the place where poet, artist and writer <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiWvMjbjdf_AhUOWcAKHQVlC5sQFnoECAsQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FJohn_Ruskin&usg=AOvVaw2gqOMjNVLT5pHVbA7bqdVw&opi=89978449" target="_blank">John Ruskin</a> once lived. We only stopped for the cafe though, and the fruit scones with cream and jam were majestic. From there it was on to Coniston itself, and a walk down to the boating centre on an increasingly hot day. Anne availed herself of the chance to get her feet into the water whilst I took yet more photos of the Old Man of Coniston.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLv34PPzlGIt0ML4rUQ8OPjhKrjN8QwYsydwnF6bRrIpiZ110BZ573hkasm1Wh7iZx8xsnhz56zbQqKjCwbM3AJO91sZmnT2SVyzDhr1O4scd48gBuj8bSLCYqKKeFZTsVjHM8KaEu68pcTH4D8nriR62SclUjcD2Ywq-sx0xWtruE7xbDPQ/s4032/27153587-9C75-4A37-9FC3-6776CFF0857E.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLv34PPzlGIt0ML4rUQ8OPjhKrjN8QwYsydwnF6bRrIpiZ110BZ573hkasm1Wh7iZx8xsnhz56zbQqKjCwbM3AJO91sZmnT2SVyzDhr1O4scd48gBuj8bSLCYqKKeFZTsVjHM8KaEu68pcTH4D8nriR62SclUjcD2Ywq-sx0xWtruE7xbDPQ/s320/27153587-9C75-4A37-9FC3-6776CFF0857E.heic" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooling off in Coniston</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>After our Coniston visit it was back home, a cool off before nipping out for some drinks - we'd now homes in on <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiT0sC9jtf_AhWLIMAKHRt1BeYQFnoECAoQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tweediesgrasmere.com%2F&usg=AOvVaw2xEE_Be-c2SEWJxTLKbF9_&opi=89978449" target="_blank">Tweedies Bar and Lodge</a> as our "local", not least as it had an enormous beer garden. It did a pretty fabulous range of beers too I might say. A very popular place tools a result.</div><div><br /></div><div>After dinner we wandered a little more around Grasmere and nipped to St Oswald's Church where <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwi95P-Mj9f_AhWuhf0HHU2ADfAQFnoECDMQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FWilliam_Wordsworth&usg=AOvVaw38rfCiiQO9smKNiewEub7o&opi=89978449" target="_blank">William Wordsworth</a> is buried. This is the heart of Wordsworth country and there are at least three places within a mile or two where he lived at various times. </div><div><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGtkM_zPGAHJCGYrSldZX084PsG6N1OuOSsWCaRy0ZK5RFEgZy3eMuZ8dd3fsHXIPWUJ-bgpjuHviKOQds5UtzJM8vBbft6k3JLW97qOj7ADBfZ1P3uEm3Oq41q7Eq6TPO4h2pV_BZ8LbIjqoFLTTKm3DxdP95csGdz67Fr65uvmGCNSmnA/s4032/B07E41EA-F6C5-4D66-8EA4-893F8AB9651B_1_201_a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGtkM_zPGAHJCGYrSldZX084PsG6N1OuOSsWCaRy0ZK5RFEgZy3eMuZ8dd3fsHXIPWUJ-bgpjuHviKOQds5UtzJM8vBbft6k3JLW97qOj7ADBfZ1P3uEm3Oq41q7Eq6TPO4h2pV_BZ8LbIjqoFLTTKm3DxdP95csGdz67Fr65uvmGCNSmnA/s320/B07E41EA-F6C5-4D66-8EA4-893F8AB9651B_1_201_a.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The grave of William Wordsworth<br />in Grasmere</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>So far it's fair to say that we were loving our time in this part of the world. The scenery was of course marvellous, but with the added bonus that you could actually see it, as we'd barely seen a cloud in the sky since we'd arrived.<div><br /></div><div>With my knee feeling rather chipper, (although I was still on the anti-inflammatories and having half an hour icings on it each evening), I'd decided that I was going to attempt to get up a bit (only a little higher), and for Wednesday's excursion I'd set my sights on Helm Crag, a rocky promontory just outside Grasmere, standing at around 405m. Anne had sensibly declined the chance to do this, and was going to wander around Grasmere and do some window shopping and perhaps visit some of the Wordsworth oriented cultural places in the village.</div><div><br /></div><div>But you're going to have to wait until Part 3 for that...<br /><div><div><br /></div><div>The best of our <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/simon_hiscocks/albums/72177720309253438" target="_blank">Lakes Photo Album</a> (Flickr)</div><div><br /></div>Twitter: @Statto1927 <div>Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/people/simon_hiscocks/ </div><div>Instagram: simon_hiscocks</div></div></div>Stattohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05101176230353582280noreply@blogger.com0